Question

Which of the following comparisons are TRUE?

1. Nerve impulses produce their effects quickly; hormonal responses generally are slower.
2. Nervous system effects are brief; endocrine system effects are longer lasting.
3. The nervous system controls homeostasis through mediator molecules called neurotransmitters; the endocrine system works through mediator molecules called hormones.
4. The nervous system can stimulate or inhibit the release of hormones; some hormones are released by neurons as neurotransmitters.
5. Neurotransmitters transmit impulses directly; hormones must bind to receptors on or in target cells in order to exert their effects.

Answer 1

The nervous system rapidly sends precise messages via neurotransmitters, while the endocrine system sends hormonal messages throughout the body that are slower to take effect and longer lasting. Both systems play distinct but essential roles in maintaining homeostasis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing the nervous and endocrine systems, the following statements can be evaluated as true:

1. Nerve impulses produce their effects quickly; hormonal responses generally are slower.
2. Nervous system effects are brief; endocrine system effects are longer lasting.
3. The nervous system controls homeostasis through mediator molecules called neurotransmitters; the endocrine system works through mediator molecules called hormones.
4. The nervous system can stimulate or inhibit the release of hormones; some hormones are released by neurons as neurotransmitters.
5. Neurotransmitters transmit impulses directly; hormones must bind to receptors on or in target cells in order to exert their effects.

The nervous system is quick and precise, manipulating specific cells with electrical signals and local neurotransmitters. In contrast, the endocrine system disperses hormones widely throughout the bloodstream, prompting global, long-term changes over a slower time frame.

Both systems are critical for maintaining homeostasis and responding to environmental changes, yet they use different mechanisms and have different response times and durations.