The correct answer is b) more widespread and long lasting effects.
In the body, the nervous system primarily functions to send rapid signals through neurons, resulting in quick and often short-lived responses. In contrast, the endocrine system communicates through hormones released into the bloodstream. This mode of signaling allows hormones to have widespread effects on various organs and tissues, influencing a range of physiological processes over a more extended period. For instance, while nerve impulses might trigger immediate reactions, such as reflexes, hormones can regulate metabolism, growth, and mood over days or even longer. Thus, the endocrine system’s effects are typically more widespread and long-lasting compared to those of the nervous system.