Nervous and hormonal communication comparedSpec 2.86
In short
Nervous and hormonal communication both control responses in the body. Nervous communication uses electrical impulses along neurones, is very fast and its effect is short-lived. Hormonal communication uses hormones secreted by endocrine glands directly into the blood, which carries them to target organs. It is slower, but its effect lasts longer.
Both the nervous system and the endocrine system control responses in the body. The endocrine system is made of glands that secrete hormones directly into the blood. The blood carries the hormone to its target organ, where it causes an effect.
Nervous and hormonal communication compared | Nervous communication | Hormonal communication |
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| Message carried by | Electrical impulses along neurones | Hormones (chemicals) in the blood |
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| Speed of response | Very fast | Slower |
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| Length of effect | Short-lived | Longer-lasting |
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| Where it acts | Specific effectors (muscles or glands) | Target organs, which can be anywhere in the body |
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Exam tip:Compare in three words: slower, longer, chemical. Hormones travel in the blood, so they reach every part of the body but only affect their target organ.
Written and checked against the Edexcel IGCSE Science Double Award (4SD0) specification · Updated October 2026
Frequently asked questions
Why are hormones called chemical messengers?
Hormones are called chemical messengers because they are chemicals secreted by glands directly into the blood, which carries them to target organs where they cause an effect. Hormonal communication is slower than nervous communication, which uses electrical impulses, but its effects last longer. Hormones reach every part of the body but only affect their target organs.
What does insulin do to blood sugar?
Insulin lowers blood glucose concentration. When blood glucose is high, the pancreas secretes insulin into the blood. Insulin makes cells take up glucose from the blood and makes the liver convert glucose into glycogen for storage, so the blood glucose concentration falls. The pancreas makes insulin, but the liver stores the glycogen.
What does adrenaline do to the body?
Adrenaline prepares the body for fight or flight. It is released by the adrenal glands when a person is frightened or excited. It increases heart rate, so more blood carrying oxygen and glucose reaches the muscles for respiration. It also stimulates the liver to change glycogen into glucose, raising blood glucose.
All 4 questions on Hormones and temperature control
