2.84 Understand that the central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and is linked to sense organs by nerves

The central nervous system consists of:

• brain
• spinal cord

and is linked to sense organs (i.e. eyes, tongue, touch receptors) by nerves

2.83 Describe how responses can be controlled by nervous or by hormonal communication and understand the differences between the two systems

Endocrine (hormonal) system

• Long lasting response
• Widespread effect
• Hormones produced all over the body, carried by plasma
• Pituitary gland and hypothalamus are key players

Nervous

• Short lived but very quick
• Localised; specific to an area
• Often involves the contraction of a muscle