Nervous System vs. Endocrine System

Main Difference

The main difference between the Nervous System and the Endocrine System is that the Nervous System uses electrical signals or impulses and Endocrine System uses chemical messengers to send signals.

Difference Between Nervous System and Endocrine System

Comparison Chart

Nervous System vs. Endocrine System

The nervous system is composed of neurons, nerves, and glial cell while the Endocrine system is composed of endocrine glands. The nervous system transmits signals electrically and chemically, whereas Endocrine system transmits signals through chemicals. The nervous system involves the conduction of impulse while Endocrine system does not involve the conduction of impulses. The nervous system works through chemicals like serotonin, epinephrine, etc. while the Endocrine system works through chemicals called hormones. The nervous system shows response in milliseconds, on the other hand; Endocrine system shows response depending upon the nature of hormone involved e.g. from seconds to days.

What is the Nervous System?

The Nervous system is a complex organ system. The Nervous system comprises of a complex network of nerves, neurons, and glial cells. The neurons are primary cells of the nervous system. The neurons are responsible for computation and communication associated with neurons. Glial cells play a supportive role. The function of Nervous system is that it carries messages in the form of impulses from the body to the brain and spinal cord, data in messages are integrated into the brain, and after processing of data in the brain, the impulses are conducted from brain and spinal cord to body for response. The nervous system has two further subdivisions — the central nervous system CNS and peripheral nervous system PMS. The CNS comprises of brain enclosed in the cranium and spinal cord enclosed in the vertebral column. The CNS has numerous centers which are subdivided to the brain and spinal cors and are necessary for the integration of data. The PNS comprises of spinal and cranial nerves which are linked to brain and spinal cors. The PNS is named so because its location is on the periphery, beyond the central position. The PNS is subdivided into the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system controls functions of skin, bones, joints, and skeletal system voluntarily. The autonomic nervous system controls functions of internal organs, smooth and cardiac muscles, and blood vessels. The Nervous system is also associated with some disorders which affect its activity; these disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, Bell’s palsy, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.

What is the Endocrine System?

The endocrine system is the system of various ductless glands that secrete hormones which are chemical messengers. Ductless glands of the endocrine system are called endocrine glands. Hormones circulate in the blood to affect specific organs. The endocrine system helps to maintain the homeostasis in the body. The endocrine system develops a connection between the hypothalamus and all parts of the body which are involved in different functions like growth and development, metabolism, and reproduction. The endocrine system releases two types of hormones, steroidal hormones, and protein-based hormones. The endocrine system regulates its hormones except in case of childbirth through the feedback mechanism. The immune system also helps the endocrine system in regulating the levels of the hormones. The Endocrine system works by main endocrine glands which include the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, adrenal gland, pancreas, and gonads. Hormones of these glands act non specifically, e.g. Oxytocin in the uterus causes uterine contractions while Hormones of the endocrine system target the cell depending upon the nature of the hormone. In case of the steroidal hormone, the hormone diffuse through the cell membrane of the target cells binds to receptor protein which activates DNA segment leading to activation of the particular gene ultimately leading to the production of enzymes for different physiological functions. The water-soluble hormones bind to a protein receptor on the surface of the cell membrane. The receptor protein stimulates the production of second messengers, which help in the production of different physiological actions. The endocrine system if do not work properly then different endocrine disorders occur, e.g. in case of thyroid gland disorders are Hypothyroidism, gigantism, dwarfism.

Conclusion

The main conclusion of the above discussion is that both the Nervous system and endocrine system are the body’s messenger systems and important for normal physiology of the body.