Final answer:
The false statement is that both the nervous and endocrine systems convey messages through a network of nerves; the nervous system does this, but the endocrine system uses hormones in the bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is described as FALSE is: b. Both convey their messages through a network of nerves. While the nervous system does indeed use a network of nerves to communicate via electrical impulses and neurotransmitters, the endocrine system communicates by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act on target cells throughout the body. This key difference illustrates how the two systems employ distinct methods to regulate the body's physiology.
The nervous system works by generating action potentials along neurons and can respond quickly to changes in the environment. In contrast, the endocrine system is generally slower, using hormonal signals that can have sustained effects over longer periods. Both are crucial in maintaining homeostasis but use different mechanisms of action.
The relationship between these systems is highlighted in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, where the hypothalamus integrates signals from the nervous system and initiates the endocrine response, demonstrating the close interconnectedness of the two systems in maintaining physiological balance.