The hormonal and nervous systems are often compared because of their similar roles in the
body. Which of the following statements about the two systems are true?

1 The nervous system relies only on electrical impulses to work.
2 Both the hormonal and nervous systems activate target structures.
3 The fastest responses in the body are produced by the nervous system.
4 Only the hormonal system relies on the activity of chemicals.
5 Parts of the hormonal system may be controlled by the central nervous system.

Answer:

25) E

1 – Wrong
The nervous system does not only rely on electrical impulses to work. It also relies on transmitter chemicals and molecules, nerve cells, spinal chord and the brain.

2 – Correct
e.g. the nervous system sends signals to contract or relax an effector muscle.
The pituitary gland releases ADH to reabsorb water from the kidneys.

3 – Correct
The central nervous system produces reflex actions (fastest responses in the body).

4 – Wrong
The nervous system also relies on chemicals such as noradrenaline or acetylcholine to work.

5 – Correct
Parts of the nervous system such as the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland (which is part of the hormonal system).

2, 3 and 5 are correct.