# Explain why the hormonal response to a stressor is slower to begin but longer lasting than the nervous system response to the same stressor.

> OCR A-Level Biology A (H420) — 5.4 Hormonal communication · Explain · 4 marks

> During a stressful event, both the nervous system and the endocrine system are activated. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla and cortisol is released from the adrenal cortex in response to stress.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Nervous impulses travel along neurones at high speed / hormones must be secreted into the blood and transported to the target organ, which takes more time
2. Hormones persist in the blood / are not broken down immediately, so their effect is prolonged
3. Nerve impulses cease immediately when the neurone stops firing / the neurotransmitter is rapidly broken down or re-absorbed at the synapse
4. Hormones act on many/widespread target cells simultaneously whereas nerve impulses act on specific effectors only

## Key terms

- [hormonal response](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hormonal-response)
- [nervous system response](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nervous-system-response)
- [stressor](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/stressor)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Biology A (H420)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-hormonal-response-to-1e366033) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.