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Key Definitions

Part of Human Endocrine System · GCSE GCSE Biology revision

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Human Endocrine System for GCSE Biology. Topic 4: Human Endocrine System It is section 6 of 11 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 6 of 11

Practice

12 questions

Recall

12 flashcards

Key Definitions

Endocrine system: The system of glands that produce and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

Hormone: A chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland, secreted into the blood, and transported to target organs where it produces a specific effect.

Endocrine gland: A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream (e.g. pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, pancreas).

Pituitary gland: The "master gland" located at the base of the brain that secretes multiple hormones, many of which control the activity of other endocrine glands.

Target organ: An organ that responds to a specific hormone because its cells possess the complementary receptor proteins that bind to that hormone.

Adrenaline: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands (above the kidneys) in response to stress or danger; prepares the body for "fight or flight" by increasing heart rate and blood glucose.

Thyroxine: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates the body's metabolic rate (how quickly cells carry out chemical reactions).

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Human Endocrine System. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

How It Works: Hormones Travelling in Blood to Target Organs Common Misconceptions The Story: The Postal Service Nervous vs Hormonal System

Practice Questions for Human Endocrine System

Which gland is known as the 'master gland' because it controls other endocrine glands?

A. Pituitary gland
B. Thyroid gland
C. Adrenal gland
D. Pancreas

1 markfoundation

Compare how the nervous system and the endocrine system coordinate responses in the body. [3 marks]

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What is the endocrine system?

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones directly into the bloodstream. Hormones travel to target organs to trigger a response.

What is a hormone?

A hormone is a chemical messenger produced by a gland, released into the blood, and carried to a target organ where it causes a response.

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How It Works: Hormones Travelling in Blood to Target Organs

Common Misconceptions