Exam Focus

Exam Focus

The endocrine system appears in approximately 3 out of 5 AQA Paper 2 exams, often earning 4–6 marks. The comparison of nervous and hormonal systems is one of the most frequently set 4-mark questions.

Edexcel (1BI0/2): The endocrine system is examined on Edexcel Paper 2 (1BI0/2) within Topic 7 (Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis). Edexcel questions typically use a scenario or context — for example, describing a patient with a hormone disorder and asking you to explain the mechanism. "Suggest" questions are common, asking you to apply your knowledge of glands and target organs to unfamiliar situations.

How it is tested:

• Compare nervous and hormonal systems: Speed, duration, specificity, method of transmission (neurone vs blood). Always give both sides for each comparison.
• Name glands and their hormones: Pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries, testes — and the hormone each produces and its function.
• Explain target organ specificity: Why do only certain cells respond to a hormone? (Receptor proteins complementary to hormone shape.)
• Apply to adrenaline: Adrenaline prepares for fight-or-flight — increases heart rate, dilates pupils, increases blood glucose. Higher tier may ask about specific mechanisms.
• Higher tier: Negative feedback control of thyroxine levels; how the pituitary controls other glands.