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AQA GCSE · Question 05.2 · Homeostasis and Response
Student B's reaction is coordinated by the nervous system. Give two ways that coordination by the endocrine system is different from coordination by the nervous system.
Student B's reaction is coordinated by the nervous system. Give two ways that coordination by the endocrine system is different from coordination by the nervous system.
How to approach this question
Compare the two systems based on:
1. The type of signal they use.
2. The speed and duration of their response.
Full Answer
The nervous system and endocrine system are the body's two main coordination systems, but they work in very different ways:
| Feature | Nervous System | Endocrine System |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Signal Type** | Electrical impulses | Chemical hormones |
| **Transmission**| Along nerve cells (neurones) | Via the bloodstream |
| **Speed** | Very fast (milliseconds) | Slower (seconds to hours) |
| **Duration** | Short-lived effect | Long-lasting effect |
| **Target** | Specific (e.g., one muscle) | Widespread (target cells anywhere in the body) |
Any two of these differences would be a correct answer.
Common mistakes
✗ Stating one is "in the brain" and the other is "in the body" - both are throughout the body.
✗ Confusing the properties, e.g., saying the nervous system is slow.
✗ Only describing one system without making a comparison.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Paper 2
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