Which of the following best describes two communication similarities between the nervous system and the endocrine system?

• A. Both systems use hormones as their primary messengers and both act instantly throughout the body.
• B. Both systems rely exclusively on electrical impulses and both control only voluntary actions.
• C. Both systems use chemical messengers to transmit signals and both help regulate and coordinate body functions.
• D. Both systems are limited to local cell-to-cell communication and do not affect distant organs.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the roles of the nervous system and the endocrine system in communication within the body. The nervous system primarily uses electrical impulses and neurotransmitters to send messages quickly, while the endocrine system uses hormones released into the bloodstream to send messages more slowly but with longer-lasting effects.
2. Step 2: Identify the types of messengers used by each system. The nervous system uses chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, and the endocrine system uses chemical messengers called hormones. Both systems rely on chemical messengers, but the nervous system also uses electrical signals.
3. Step 3: Consider the speed and range of communication. The nervous system acts quickly and targets specific cells, while the endocrine system acts more slowly and can affect many parts of the body through the bloodstream.
4. Step 4: Analyze the answer choices by comparing them to the characteristics of both systems. Look for an option that correctly states that both systems use chemical messengers and that both regulate and coordinate body functions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description is the one stating that both systems use chemical messengers to transmit signals and both help regulate and coordinate body functions, as this accurately reflects their communication similarities.