Basis of differentiation | Endocrine system | Nervous system |
Definition | Is made up of various glands and organs that produce hormones to regulate different functions of the body | Is made up of a network of cells that regulate and coordinate different bodily functions by transmitting nerve impulses |
Main constituents | Main constituents include the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands, male testes, and female ovaries | Main constituents include nerve cells, which are arranged in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves |
Functions | Controls growth and development, metabolism, sleep, emotions and mood, fertility and sexual function | Controls senses, thoughts and feelings, muscle movements, memory, heartbeat, breathing, senses, speech, and response to various stimuli |
Types of substance used to transmit signals to the effector organ | Uses chemical substances called hormones | Uses electric impulses and chemical substances called neurotransmitters |
Mode of signal transmission | Signals in the form of hormones are transmitted through the blood | Signals in the form of nerve impulses are transmitted through nerve cells |
Signal transmission pathway | Hormones enter target cells by diffusing through the plasma membrane or by binding to the cell receptors | Nerve impulses enter target cells using neurotransmitters at synaptic clefts or through sodium and potassium channels |
Time taken for the transmission | Transmission is slow as the signals move slowly through the blood | Signals are transmitted rapidly |
Type of control | Under voluntary and involuntary control | Under involuntary control only |
Connectivity | The entire endocrine system is not physically connected | The entire nervous system is physically connected |
Effect of responses | Responses are widespread | Responses are localized |
Function is affected by | Function may be affected by age, environmental factors, stress, genetics, and disease conditions | Function may be affected by meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or cancers |