Gamboa, Lois Danielle L.BSMT-2APSY01

Nervous System vs Endocrine System

The nervous and endocrine systems are the basic systems that regulate the biological processes inside an organism, but through different means of passing signals. Both the nervous and endocrine systems work tocontrolhomeostasis, but they go about it in different ways.The main difference between the two systems is that nervous system uses electric pulses, and endocrine system uses chemical stimuli to pass the signals to the target cells or organs.

Nervous system

Endocrine system

Signals

Electrical impulses and neurotransmitters

Hormones

Method of delivery

Direct delivery across synaptic cleft

Broadcast - often into bloodstream

Target cells

Specific neuron, muscle or gland cells - local, specific effects

Any type of cell throughout the body - effects may be widespread

Speed of signalling

Very fast - msec

Slow - seconds to days

Duration of response

Very short

Can be long lasting

Even though thenervoussystem andendocrinesystem are separate systems, they oftenwork togetherin a coordinated way:

some parts of the nervous system stimulate glands to release hormones

some hormones influence nervous signals.

Source: http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-nervous-system-and-vs-endocrine-system/