Compare and contrast the actions of hormones with those of neurons.

Hormones and neurons are both signaling molecules. They are chemical messengers released from a given cell, carrying a signal to the target cell in the body to trigger a response. However, the major differences are in the methods and systems in which they work. The action of hormones relies on chemical impulses; it is transmitted by the bloodstream at a slow speed and causes an involuntary type of response. On the other hand, the action of neurons relies on electrochemical impulses with voluntary type of action. The action of neurons is unique to the next neuron; therefore, it covers a shorter distance than the hormones, whose target cells are located farther away within the body. The action of neurons is characterized by a short length of impact while the hormonal action produces longer effects.