Which system has more long-lasting effects on the body?

The endocrine system has more long-lasting effects on the body due to its role in releasing hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones are chemical messengers that can have widespread and prolonged effects on various tissues and organs. Once released, these hormones can influence body functions such as growth, metabolism, and mood over an extended period, often lasting minutes to hours or even longer.

In contrast, the effects of the nervous system are typically rapid and short-lived, as nerve impulses lead to immediate but transient responses, such as muscle contractions or sensations. The immune system, while crucial for defense against pathogens, primarily acts quickly to combat infections, and its responses may cease once the threat is eliminated. The digestive system, on the other hand, is focused on nutrient breakdown and absorption, which provides immediate energy and sustenance, but its effects do not persist over time in the same way hormones do.

Therefore, the enduring nature of hormonal regulation by the endocrine system underscores why it is considered to have more long-lasting effects compared to the other systems mentioned.