Coordination and Control: The Nervous System and the Endocrine System

• In this unit we will be focussing on the two body systems that coordinate and regulate the other body systems – the nervous system and the endocrine system.

• The nervous system and endocrine system work together to regulate many body functions. They do this in different ways:

• The nervous system uses electrical signals called nerve impulses, whereas the endocrine system uses chemical signals called hormones.

• The nervous system transmits signals via nerve cells, whereas the endocrine system transmits signals via the bloodstream.

• The nervous system is very fast-acting, whereas the endocrine system is slow-acting.

• The nervous system produces short-term effects, whereas the endocrine system produces long-term effects.

The nervous system and endocrine system work together to regulate many body functions.

(Images: Alila Medical Media, Adobe Stock)