Human Endocrine System Simplified Revision Notes for GCSE AQA Biology

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Learn about Hormones: Maintaining Blood Homeostasis for your GCSE Biology Exam. This Revision Note includes a summary of Hormones: Maintaining Blood Homeostasis for easy recall in your Biology exam

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5.2.2 Human Endocrine System

infoNote

The human body has two communication systems - the nervous system and the endocrine system . The endocrine system sends hormones (chemical messengers) around the body. When they reach a target tissue they produce a response.

It is made up of glands which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Pituitary gland
- The master gland
- Secretes hormones into the blood to either have an effect on the body or act on other glands to stimulate them to produce different hormones

Pancreas
- Secretes insulin
- Controls blood glucose levels
Thyroid
- Secretes thyroxine
- Controls metabolic rate, heart rate and temperature

Adrenal gland
- Secretes adrenaline
- Involved in the 'fight or flight' response (the body's response to stressful situations)
Ovary
- Secretes oestrogen
- Is involved in the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics (different features that develop during puberty that distinguish a female from a male)

Testes
- Secretes testosterone
- Is involved in the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics

infoNote

The blood transports the hormone to a target organ or tissue where it has an effect. Compared to the nervous system, the hormonal system is much slower but it acts for longer.

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