What are the differences between the endocrine system and nervous system?

Basis of differentiation 

Endocrine system 

Nervous system

Definition 

Is made up of various glands and organs that produce hormones to regulate different functions of the body

Is made up of a network of cells that regulate and coordinate different bodily functions by transmitting nerve impulses

Main constituents

Main constituents include the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands, male testes, and female ovaries

Main constituents include nerve cells, which are arranged in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves

Functions

Controls growth and development, metabolism, sleep, emotions and mood, fertility and sexual function

Controls senses, thoughts and feelings, muscle movements, memory, heartbeat, breathing, senses, speech, and response to various stimuli

Types of substance used to transmit signals to the effector organ

Uses chemical substances called hormones

Uses electric impulses and chemical substances called neurotransmitters 

Mode of signal transmission

Signals in the form of hormones are transmitted through the blood

Signals in the form of nerve impulses are transmitted through nerve cells

Signal transmission pathway

Hormones enter target cells by diffusing through the plasma membrane or by binding to the cell receptors

Nerve impulses enter target cells using neurotransmitters at synaptic clefts or through sodium and potassium channels

Time taken for the transmission

Transmission is slow as the signals move slowly through the blood

Signals are transmitted rapidly

Type of control

Under voluntary and involuntary control

Under involuntary control only

Connectivity 

The entire endocrine system is not physically connected

The entire nervous system is physically connected

Effect of responses

Responses are widespread

Responses are localized

Function is affected by

Function may be affected by age, environmental factors, stress, genetics, and disease conditions

Function may be affected by meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or cancers