Summary Endocrine system and hormone control, Paper 2 Biology GCSE AQA notes and practice questions

Human Endocrine System
You need to know / be able to:

 Describe the principles of hormonal
coordination and control by the human
endocrine system
 The endocrine system is composed of glands
which secrete chemicals called hormones
directly into the bloodstream. The blood
carries the hormones to a target organ, where
it produces an effect. Compared to the
nervous system the effects are slower but act for longer.
 The pituitary gland in the brain is a ‘master gland’ which secretes
several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions.
These hormones in turn act on other glands to stimulate other
hormones to released to bring about effects.
 Identify the position of the following on a diagram of the human
body: pituitary gland, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal gland, ovary,
testes.

What are hormones?

Chemical substances that are carried by the
blood to target organs where they control body
processes




The ENDOCRINE SYSTEM consists of glands, which secrete chemicals
called hormones into the bloodstream. The blood carries the hormone to
a target organ where it produces an effect.