[Campbell Biology P.929] What is the fundamental difference in how signals are transmitted i... | Practice Question
What is the fundamental difference in how signals are transmitted in the endocrine system versus the nervous system?
A: Endocrine signals travel via the bloodstream throughout the body, while nervous signals travel along dedicated neuronal pathways to specific locations.
B: Endocrine signals are primarily electrical impulses, whereas nervous signals are exclusively chemical messengers.
C: The endocrine system transmits signals very rapidly, whereas the nervous system transmits signals more slowly but with longer-lasting effects.
D: The endocrine system primarily uses chemical signals for short-range communication, while the nervous system uses electrical signals for long-range communication.
Explanation
The text clearly states that in the endocrine system, signaling molecules hormones are released into the bloodstream and carried to all locations, making it a broadcast system. In contrast, the nervous system uses neurons to transmit signals along dedicated routes to specific locations. This fundamental difference in transmission pathways is the key distinction.