AQA GCSE Endocrine System and Control of Blood Glucose Biology

PowerPoint for a whole lesson on the endocrine system, control of blood glucose and diabetes - for AQA Trilogy or Biology. 2-3 lessons worth of content.

Specification points:
Students should 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 hormone 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 be released to bring about effects.
Students should be able to identify the position of the following on a
diagram of the human body:
• pituitary gland
• pancreas
• thyroid
• adrenal gland
• ovary
• testes.

Blood glucose concentration is monitored and controlled by the
pancreas.
If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas
produces the hormone insulin that causes glucose to move from the
blood into the cells. In liver and muscle cells excess glucose is
converted to glycogen for storage.
Students should be able to explain how insulin controls blood
glucose (sugar) levels in the body.
Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce
sufficient insulin. It is characterised by uncontrolled high blood
glucose levels and is normally treated with insulin injections.
In Type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin
produced by the pancreas. A carbohydrate controlled diet and an
exercise regime are common treatments. Obesity is a risk factor for
Type 2 diabetes.
Students should be able to compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
and explain how they can be treated