Table of Contents
Main Difference Between Nervous System and Endocrine System
The Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for sending and receiving messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The brain is the control center, and the nervous system includes the spinal cord and all of the nerves in the body. The nervous system can be divided into two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system consists of all of the nerves in the body outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Cells of the Nervous System
Cells of the nervous system are specialized to carry messages from one part of the body to another. The cells that carry messages from the central nervous system to the rest of the body are called neurons. The cells that carry messages from the body to the central nervous system are called neuroglia.
Parts of the Nervous System
The nervous system is responsible for sending and receiving messages between the brain and the rest of the body. It consists of the brain, the spinal cord, and a network of nerves that extend throughout the body. The brain is the control center of the nervous system, and the spinal cord is the main pathway for messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
Central Nervous System or CNS
The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the part of the nervous system that controls the body’s activities. It consists of the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS receives information from the body’s senses and sends instructions to the muscles and organs.
Peripheral Nervous System or PNS
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a part of the nervous system that includes the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
- The somatic nervous system controls the movements of the skeletal muscles, while the autonomic nervous system controls the involuntary movements of the internal organs and other muscles. The autonomic nervous system is further subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
- The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response, while the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a collection of glands that produce and secrete hormones. The hormones are chemical messengers that circulate through the bloodstream and regulate the activities of cells and organs. The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid gland, the adrenal gland, the pancreas, and the ovaries and testes.
Common Glands and Hormones
There are many types of glands in the body, and each one secretes different hormones. The hypothalamus is a small, pea-sized gland in the brain that secretes hormones that control the body’s daily rhythms, such as hunger and thirst. The pituitary gland is located just below the hypothalamus and secretes hormones that control other glands in the body. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and secretes thyroid hormones that help control the body’s metabolism. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete adrenaline and other hormones in response to stress. The pancreas is located in the abdomen and secretes hormones that help control blood sugar levels.
Difference Between Nervous System and Endocrine System:
- The nervous system and the endocrine system are two different systems in the body that both have important jobs. The nervous system is responsible for sending messages between the brain and the rest of the body, while the endocrine system is responsible for releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
- One key difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system is that the nervous system is an electrochemical system, while the endocrine system is a chemical system. The nervous system uses electrical signals to send messages, while the endocrine system uses hormones to send messages.
- Another key difference between the two systems is that the nervous system is a rapid system, while the endocrine system is a slow system. The nervous system can send messages within milliseconds, while the endocrine system can take several minutes to send a message.
- The nervous system and the endocrine system work together to keep the body functioning properly. The nervous system sends messages to the muscles to make them move, and the endocrine system releases hormones that regulate the body’s functions.
