Neural vs Hormonal Coordination — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptYou have already learnt that the neural system provides a point-to-point rapid coordination among organs. The neural coordination is fast but short-lived. As the nerve fibres do not innervate all cells of the body and the cellular functions need to be continuously regulated; a special kind of coordination and integration has to be provided. This function is carried out by hormones. The neural system and the endocrine system jointly coordinate and regulate the physiological functions in the body.
Which of the above statements are correct? S1: Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals that act as intercellular messengers and are produced in trace amounts. S2: The classical definition of hormones emphasizes their secretion by ductless glands and subsequent transport through blood to distantly located target organs. S3: The neural system, unlike the endocrine system, is primarily responsible for the continuous regulation of cellular functions throughout all cells of the body. S4: Hypothalamic hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary reach it through direct neural regulation, while the posterior pituitary is regulated by a portal circulatory system. S5: The endocrine systems of invertebrates are typically more complex and diverse than those found in vertebrates.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: A — S1, S2
The core concept involves the definition, transport, and general characteristics of hormones. S1: Correct. The modern definition states that "Hormones are non-nutrient chemicals which act as intercellular messengers and are produced in trace amounts." (NCERT Page 239) S2: Correct. The classical definition describes hormones as "a chemical produced by endocrine glands and released into the blood and transported to a distantly located target organ." (NCERT Page 239) S3: Incorrect. The NCERT states, "As the nerve fibres do not innervate all cells of the body and the cellular functions need to be continuously regulated; a special kind of coordination and integration has to be provided. This function is carried out by hormones." This indicates that continuous regulation of all body cells is a role for hormones where neural innervation is lacking, making the statement false. S4: Incorrect. The regulation is reversed. "These hormones [hypothalamic, regulating anterior pituitary] reach the pituitary gland through a portal circulatory system and regulate the functions of the anterior pituitary. The posterior pituitary is under the direct neural regulation of the hypothalamus." (NCERT Page 240) S5: Incorrect. The statement is reversed. NCERT states, "Invertebrates possess very simple endocrine systems with few hormones whereas a large number of chemicals act as hormones and provide coordination in the vertebrates." This means invertebrate systems are simpler, not more complex. Therefore, statements S1, S2, and S5 are correct, while S3 and S4 are incorrect. The correct option is A. The question tests the understanding of both classical and modern definitions of hormones, their transport, and comparison with neural coordination.
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Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.