Homeostasis, Excretion, Neuronal and Hormonal communication (OCR A-level Biology A)

This bundle of 20 lessons covers the majority of the content that’s included in modules 5.1.1 - 5.1.4 of the OCR A-level Biology A specification. All of the lessons are highly detailed and have been planned at length to ensure that they are filled with a wide range of tasks to engage and motivate the students whilst checking on their understanding.

The following specification points are covered by the lessons in this bundle:

5.1.1: Communication and homeostasis

• The communication between cells by cell signalling
• The principle of homeostasis
• The physiological and behavioural responses involved in temperature control in endotherms and ectotherms

5.1.2: Excretion as an example of homeostatic control

• The functions of the mammalian liver
• The gross structure and histology of the kidney
• The processes of ultrafiltration and selective reabsorption
• The control of the water potential of the blood
• The effects of kidney failure and its potential treatments

5.1.3: Neuronal communication

• The roles of mammalian sensory receptors in converting stimuli into nerve impulses
• The structure and functions of sensory, relay and motor neurones
• The generation and transmission of nerve impulses in mammals
• The structures and roles of synapses in transmission

5.1.4: Hormonal communication

• Endocrine communication by hormones
• The structure and functions of the adrenal glands
• The structure of the pancreas
• The regulation of blood glucose concentration
• The difference between diabetes mellitus type I and II
• The potential treatments for diabetes mellitus

It is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 months of allocated A-level teaching time to cover the detail included in these lessons

If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the following lessons as they have been shared for free:

• The principles of homeostasis
• Temperature control in ectotherms
• The functions of the liver
• The structure of the kidney
• The generation and transmission of nerve impulses
• Endocrine communication