Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

Which systems coordinate the activities of different tissues and organs in the body?

1. Musculoskeletal and immune systems

2. Circulatory and respiratory systems

3. Nervous and endocrine systems

4. Digestive and reproductive systems

The correct answer is: Nervous and endocrine systems

The nervous and endocrine systems are the primary systems responsible for coordinating the activities of different tissues and organs within the body. The nervous system utilizes electrical signals to transmit information quickly across neurons, enabling rapid responses to stimuli. It integrates functions by controlling muscle movements, sensory perceptions, and reflex reactions, ensuring the body responds appropriately to changes in the environment. Conversely, the endocrine system employs chemical signals, in the form of hormones, to regulate processes over a longer duration. These hormones are released into the bloodstream and can affect various tissues and organs, influencing functions such as metabolism, growth, and mood. This combination of fast-acting neural responses and slower hormonal regulation allows for comprehensive coordination across the body, maintaining homeostasis and systemic functions. While other systems like the circulatory and respiratory systems certainly play essential roles in supporting the body, they primarily focus on the transport of blood and oxygen rather than coordinating the activities of various organs and tissues. The digestive and reproductive systems also have specific functions that do not encompass the overall regulatory activities performed by the nervous and endocrine systems.