A student feels very nervous before an important exam. Their body releases a hormone into the bloodstream. Explain how hormonal coordination differs from nervous coordination in controlling the body's response to this situation.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Hormones are chemical messengers released by glands into the bloodstream. The nervous system uses electrical impulses to send signals rapidly around the body.
Model answer (5 marks)
The hormone is released by a gland (e.g. the adrenal gland) into the bloodstream.
Hormonal coordination is slower than nervous coordination.
Hormonal responses last longer and have a longer‑lasting effect than nervous responses.
Nervous coordination uses electrical impulses along neurones, whereas hormonal coordination uses chemical messengers carried in the blood.
Nervous responses are localised and affect a specific effector, whereas hormonal responses affect target organs throughout the body and have a more widespread effect.
Hormonal coordination is slower than nervous coordination.
Hormonal responses last longer and have a longer‑lasting effect than nervous responses.
Nervous coordination uses electrical impulses along neurones, whereas hormonal coordination uses chemical messengers carried in the blood.
Nervous responses are localised and affect a specific effector, whereas hormonal responses affect target organs throughout the body and have a more widespread effect.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terminology: ‘adrenal gland’, ‘bloodstream’, ‘electrical impulses’, ‘chemical messengers’, ‘localised’ vs ‘widespread’
- Show the comparison clearly – list each difference in separate sentences
Common mistakes
- Mixing up the speed of hormonal vs nervous responses, e.g. saying hormones act faster
- Failing to mention the longer duration of hormonal effects or the widespread action of hormones
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- The hormone is released by a gland (e.g. adrenal gland) into the bloodstream
- Hormonal coordination is slower than nervous coordination
- Hormonal responses last longer / have a longer-lasting effect than nervous responses
- Nervous coordination uses electrical impulses (along neurones) whereas hormonal coordination uses chemical messengers (in the blood)
- Nervous responses are localised / affect a specific effector, whereas hormonal responses affect target organs throughout the body / have a more widespread effect
Key terms in this question
hormone · hormonal coordination · nervous coordination · bloodstream
Related
- All Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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