# Describe how the nervous system and the hormonal system differ in the way they send signals around the body. In your answer, refer to the speed of response, the type of messenger used, and how long the effects last.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 4.1 Reproductive biology · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The nervous system uses electrical signals / nerve impulses (whereas the hormonal system uses chemical messengers / hormones)
2. Hormones are transported in the bloodstream to target organs (whereas nerve impulses travel along neurones)
3. The nervous system produces a faster response than the hormonal system
4. The effects of hormones last longer than the effects of nerve impulses
5. The nervous system produces a localised / specific response (to one effector / muscle or gland), whereas hormones affect target organs throughout the body / can affect multiple organs

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