Endocrine Glands
The nervous system is made up of a network of neurons that allows communication to happen throughout the body. The nervous system is made up of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The nervous response is instantaneous and the effects are short lived.
The endocrine system is another system that is crucial to communication. It is composed of glands in the body which secrete hormones that are used in many processes. The endocrine response is much slower but its response lasts longer. Although the endocrine system and the nervous system are not directly linked, they do interact with each other in many ways.
The main function of the nervous system is to protect us from danger by interpreting and reacting to varying stimuli. It must also interact with the endocrine system and tell it to release chemicals that will influence our feelings and behaviors through different pathways. The two systems work together and influence human behaviors, growth, reproduction and metabolism. The endocrine system plays a big part in emotions, and varies between females and males due to differences in glands.
A very important example showing the link between the two systems can be observed in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands most important function is to release the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline in times of excitement, threat and stress. These hormones stimulate the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system leading to increase in heart and lung activity, and increases in blood sugar. Immediate nervous system action is needed to activate the adrenal glands, the endocrine system further prepares the body. The responses are heavily connected and when working together causes enhanced responses.