When comparing the endocrine and nervous system functions, the nurse knows that the endocrine system: Select all that apply

Question

A) Sends signals to neurons over a short distance to muscles
B) Responds to neurotransmitter molecules within milliseconds
C) Releases hormones into the blood that is transported throughout the body
D) Glands are widely scattered throughout the body
E) Takes longer to respond to innervations but has prolonged actions when they arrive

Answer 1

Ans: C, D, E
Feedback:
The endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones as a means of controlling the flow of information between the different tissues and organs of the body. It does not act alone, however, but interacts with the nervous system to coordinate and integrate the activity of body cells. Hormones regulate and integrate body functions. Hormones act on specific target cells, but they cause a variety of effects on tissues. Hormones do not transport other substances; hormones are transported and present in body fluids at all times. The endocrine system uses hormones released into the blood and transported throughout the body to influence the activity of body tissues. Tissue and organ responses to endocrine hormones tend to take much longer than the response to neurotransmitters, but once initiated, they tend to be much more prolonged than those induced by the nervous system. The glands of the endocrine system are widely scattered throughout the body.