# Explain how the nervous system and endocrine system differ in the way they send information around the body and the speed at which a response is produced.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B3.1 Coordination and control — the nervous system · Explain · 4 marks

> A student is revising for a Biology exam and reads that the body has two main communication systems: the nervous system and the endocrine system. She notices that the two systems work in very different ways.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The nervous system uses electrical impulses (along neurones) to send information, whereas the endocrine system uses chemical messengers (hormones) transported in the bloodstream.
2. The nervous system sends information to a specific effector (muscle or gland), whereas hormones are transported in the bloodstream and act on target organs throughout the body.
3. The nervous system produces a very rapid response.
4. The endocrine system produces a slower but longer-lasting response compared to the nervous system.

## Key terms

- [endocrine system](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/endocrine-system)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-the-nervous-system-and-e79c6328) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.