Electrical impulses are rapid means of information transfer in animal bodies. Limitations include the constraint of reaching only connected cells through nervous tissue and the need for cells to reset before generating new impulses.
Why are electrical impulses considered effective for fast responses to stimuli in animal bodies, and what are the limitations mentioned in the paragraph?
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Electrical impulses in animal bodies are considered effective for fast responses to stimuli due to their rapid transmission along nerve cells. The speed of nerve impulse conduction allows for swift communication between distant body parts. However, electrical impulses have limitations. They are more localized, suitable for short-distance signaling. Additionally, the refractory period, required for nerve cell recovery after firing, restricts the frequency of successive impulses. Hormonal signaling, involving chemicals like adrenaline, complements electrical impulses for widespread and sustained responses, compensating for the limitations of purely electrical signaling in achieving comprehensive and enduring physiological reactions.