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BTEC science UNIT 5

Homeostasis (a steady state)
Objectives:

all: know that hormones are chemical messengers

Most: know about the role of insulin and adrenaline (and be able to outline differences
between nervous and chemical control after the next lesson)
Some: report how the hormonal systems are protective of the body

This is work towards: UNIT 5

P7 describe two control mechanisms which enable the human body to maintain optimum
health.
M7 describe the differences between the actions of chemical and electrical protective
mechanisms of the body.
D7 explain the effects of the chemical and hormonal controls on human health.

Keywords: pancreas, adrenal, insulin, pituitary, menstrual, hormone, homeostasis,

testosterone, progesterone, oestrogen

Starter:

Main activities
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• Watch the
powerpoint

• Label where
the glands are
on the
diagram

• What are the

jobs of the
pituitary?

• What hormone
do the adrenal
glands make?

• Ovaries and testes are responsible for sexual characteristics – give examples of
these (e.g. voice deepens in males)

• Name the male hormone

• Name a female hormone

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Experiment
Two samples of ‘urine’ have been provided from different patients. One of the patients
has diabetes. This means they cannot take glucose sugar in to the body because they lack
the hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas. Excess glucose is excreted in the
urine. To get rid of this glucose, diabetics may visit the toilet often, and because they lose
water develop an insatiable thirst.

• Which sample comes from the diabetic patient?

Apparatus: ‘urine’ samples, boiling tubes, beakers, kettle, benedicts solution, safety
glasses

Method
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Result:
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Conclusion:
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Last lesson we talked about the term feedback. Explain how feedback can keep blood
glucose levels steady in a non - diabetic (normal) person:

When blood glucose is high, more

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when blood glucose is low,

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140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
normal after meal after vigorous
exercise

What do you think the bar chart above shows? Describe the changes in the body
that are happening.

More about adrenaline

Adrenaline is sometimes called the fight or flight hormone. It is released when there is
danger or excitement.

• Give some examples of when you have released a lot of adrenaline

• How did this make you feel? Why? ( have a look on page 151 coordinated biology
if you are not sure)
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PLENARY

Hormonal or not?

Choose which words/phrases are associated with hormones and which are not ( write Y or
N in the box)

Feedback

Menstrual cycle

reflex

Sugar levels

chemical

Slower response

nerves

pituitary

pancreas

testes

electrical

Water balance

Fast response

Anger