What is the Difference Between Hormonal and Neural Control?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between hormonal and neural control lies in the mechanisms they use to send signals and the nature of the responses they produce.
Hormonal control:
- Uses chemical messengers called hormones, which are released into the bloodstream by the endocrine system.
- Transmission is slow and takes longer.
- Responses are widespread and often permanent.
- Regulates growth, development, and reproduction.
Neural control:
- Uses electrical impulses to send signals through neurons.
- Transmission is fast but short-lived.
- Responses are localized and temporary, often reversible.
- Controls both voluntary and involuntary functions.
In summary, hormonal control is slow and long-lasting, with widespread and often permanent effects, while neural control is fast and short-lived, with localized and temporary effects. Both systems are essential for communication and regulation within the human body.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Hormonal and Neural Control? Comparative Table: Hormonal vs Neural Control
Comparative Table: Hormonal vs Neural Control
Here is a table comparing hormonal and neural control:
| Feature | Hormonal Control | Neural Control |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Hormonal control involves the endocrine system secreting hormones into the bloodstream from glands throughout the body. | Neural control involves nerve cells in the nervous system generating electrochemical impulses to produce an effect on target cells. |
| Communication | Hormones are transmitted through blood vessels. | Nerve impulses are transmitted through neurons. |
| Control | The endocrine system is under involuntary control. | The nervous system is under both voluntary and involuntary control. |
| Response | Responses are widespread. | Responses are localized. |
| Messengers | Hormones are the chemical messengers in the endocrine system. | Electrical impulses are the messengers in the nervous system. |
| Target Cells | Hormones enter target cells by diffusing through the plasma membrane or by binding to receptors. | Nerve impulses make use of neurotransmitters at synaptic clefts and sodium and potassium ions. |
| Examples | Examples of hormones include insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. | Examples of neural control include the brain and spinal cord, which constitute the nervous system and regulate various functions of the body. |
Both hormonal and neural control are essential for communication and controlling the functions of the human body.
Read more:
- Neurotransmitters vs Hormones
- Nerves vs Hormones
- Neural vs Neuronal
- Nervous System vs Endocrine System
- Biological Control vs Chemical Control
- Neuropeptides vs Neurotransmitters
- Neurons vs Neurotransmitters
- Neurotransmitter vs Neuromodulator
- Somatic vs Autonomic Nervous System
- Plant vs Animal Hormones
- Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Sensory vs Motor Neurons
- Neuroscience vs Neurology
- Direct vs Indirect Hormone Action
- Adenohypophysis vs Neurohypophysis
- Nervous Coordination vs Chemical Coordination
- Hypothalamus vs Pituitary Gland
- Positive vs Negative Control
- Hormones vs Pheromones