# Explain why hormones are described as part of the endocrine system rather than the nervous system, giving two differences between the way hormones and nerve impulses are transmitted.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 14.3 Hormones · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Hormones travel in the blood (whereas nerve impulses travel along neurones)
2. Hormonal responses are slow / take longer to reach the target organ (compared to nerve impulses which are rapid / instantaneous)
3. Hormonal responses are long-lasting (whereas nerve impulse effects are short-lived / instantaneous)
4. Hormones are chemical substances / signals (whereas the nervous system uses electrical signals / nerve impulses)

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610)](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-why-hormones-are-described-as-26097ba4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.