Question

a) Draw a labelled diagram of the neuromuscular junction.
b) Compare nervous and hormonal mechanisms for control and coordination in animals.

Answer 1

Hint: Coordination is the process by which two or more organs interact and complement the functions of each other. In our body, the neural system and the endocrine system jointly coordinate and integrate all the activities of the organs so that they function in a synchronized manner.

Complete answer:
a) Our neural system provides the organized network of point to point connections for a quick response. A neuromuscular junction is shown below with the appropriate labelling.

b) As you know, both the neural system and endocrine (hormonal) system coordinate to perform various functions of the body. Various differences are listed below:

Nervous system	Endocrine system
It transmits the signals through the electrical impulses generated due to the electrical gradient developed due to the movement of ions.	It transmits the information through the blood.
It can transmit the signal very fast.	The signal reaches the destination after some time.
It has short-lived effects.	It produces long- term effects.
It affects only a particular part of the body.	It can influence various parts of the body at a time.
It does not cause changes in the metabolic pathways.	It can alter the metabolic pathways.

Note:
As you know our body maintains homeostasis in order to work properly. For this purpose, different organs present in our body should work in a coordinated manner to give the desired output. Thus, coordination is the process by which different organs interact with each other and aids in the functioning of one another.