Lesson 7 — Endocrine System vs Nervous System


Get Focused


In the previous module, you learned how the nervous system responds to environmental stimuli by using neural pathways to produce very rapid and precise responses. The endocrine system responds to stimuli by using chemical messengers in the blood to control metabolic processes in the body. This process is much slower than control by the nervous system, with the exception of the responses controlled by epinephrine. The body is in balance (homeostasis) because the nervous system responds to immediate stimuli or crises and the hormonal system maintains long-term stability.


Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/1.6/, Jun 19, 2013.

By investigating the following focusing question, you will explore how the nervous and endocrine systems complement and communicate with each other to maintain homeostasis and well-being:

  • How are the nervous system and endocrine system interdependent despite having very different structures?


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