4.5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans (will come up) P2

Question 1

What is the endocrine system

Answer 1

The body’s coordination system which involves hormones

Question 2

What is a hormone

Answer 2

A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by a gland

It travels in the blood to a target organ, where it causes a response

Question 3

What type of organ secretes hormones

Answer 3

Glands

Question 4

Which gland controls many other glands in the body

Answer 4

The pituitary gland

Question 5

Why is the pituitary gland considered a ‘master gland’

Answer 5

It secretes a wide range of hormones, some of which may stimulate other endocrine glands

Question 6

What is the role of the pituitary gland in the endocrine system

Answer 6

Secretes human growth hormone - controls human growth
Stimulates the thyroid gland
Stimulates ovulation and the production of oestrogen in the ovaries
Stimulates the production of sperm and testosterone in the testes

Question 7

What is the role of the thyroid gland in the endocrine system

Answer 7

Secretes the hormones thyroxine - controls metabolism, heart rate and body temperature

Question 8

What is the role of the pancreas in the endocrine system

Answer 8

Secretes the hormone insulin - controls blood glucose levels

Question 9

What is the role of the adrenal gland in the endocrine system

Answer 9

Secretes adrenaline - controls the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response

Question 10

What is the role of the ovaries in the endocrine system

Answer 10

Secrete oestrogen, which coordinates the menstrual cycle and the development of female secondary sexual characteristics

Question 10

What is the role of the testes in the endocrine system

Answer 10

Secrete testosterone, which coordinates the production of sperm and the development of male secondary sexual characteristics

Question 11

Which organ monitors and controls blood glucose concentration

Answer 11

The pancreas

Question 12

How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too high

Answer 12

The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin

Insulin binds to receptors on the liver and muscles, causing excess glucose to be converted into glycogen and stored

Question 13

How does the pancreas respond when blood glucose levels are too low

Answer 13

The pancreas secretes the hormone glucagon

Glucagon binds to liver cells, causing glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood

Question 14

How is blood glucose concentration controlled using a negative feedback loop

Answer 14

When the blood glucose concentration rises or falls below the optimum, a hormone is secreted by the pancreas
The action of either hormone (insulin or glucagon) helps bring back the concentration to the correct level

Question 15

What is Type 1 diabetes

Answer 15

An autoimmune disorder in which the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin to control the blood glucose concentration
As a result, blood glucose levels are often very high, leading to excessive urination, tiredness and weight loss

Question 16

How can Type 1 diabetes be treated

Answer 16

Insulin injections before meals - allows glucose to be converted into glycogen
Limiting carbohydrate intake
Attempts using pancreas and pancreatic cell transplants; investigations into genetic engineering of pancreatic cells

Question 17

What is Type 2 diabetes

Answer 17

A disorder in which the body’s cells stop responding to insulin, leading to an uncontrolled blood glucose concentration
Its onset is linked with increasing age and obesity

Question 18

How can type 2 diabetes be treated

Answer 18

Following a carefully-controlled diet
Doing regular exercise
Losing weight
Use of drugs which increase insulin production and effectiveness