12 Comparison between nervous and hormonal co-ordination
1Messenger
Nervous
- Electrical impulse, transmitter at synapses
Hormonal
- Chemical hormone in blood
2Path
Nervous
- Along neurons (nerves)
Hormonal
- By the blood stream
3Speed
Nervous
- Very fast (milliseconds)
Hormonal
- Slower (seconds to hours)
4Duration of effect
Nervous
- Short, stops quickly
Hormonal
- Longer lasting
5Target
Nervous
- Specific muscles or glands
Hormonal
- Wide, many cells with receptors
6Control of
Nervous
- Quick actions, reflexes, movement
Hormonal
- Growth, metabolism, reproduction, homeostasis
Why is nervous regulation faster than hormonal? The impulse travels along nerve fibres at up to 100 m/s and is sent directly to its target, but a hormone must be secreted into the blood, circulated and then bind to receptors.