1. 1
   A hiker walking in the desert is suddenly startled by a snake close to the path. Within seconds, they notice their heart pounding, their breathing becoming faster and a sudden burst of energy that allows them to jump back quickly.

   (a)

   A hiker in the desert is startled by a snake and immediately experiences a racing heart and a surge of energy. Which gland released the hormone responsible for this 'fight or flight' response?

   [1 mark]

   • AThyroid gland
   • BAdrenal gland
   • CPancreas
   • DPituitary gland

   (b)

   Compared with a nervous response, how would a hormonal response such as this one typically differ in speed and duration?

   [1 mark]

   • AHormonal responses are faster and shorter-lasting than nervous responses
   • BHormonal responses only affect one specific muscle, unlike nervous responses
   • CHormonal and nervous responses are identical in speed and duration
   • DHormonal responses are slower to start but longer-lasting than nervous responses

   (c)

   Describe two effects that adrenaline has on the hiker's body that help prepare them for 'fight or flight'.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   A patient has recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Their doctor explains that their pancreas still produces the hormone that controls blood glucose, but their body cells have become less responsive to it.

   (a)

   A patient recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is told their body cells no longer respond properly to a particular hormone that normally lowers blood glucose concentration. Which hormone is this?

   [1 mark]

   • AGlucagon
   • BAdrenaline
   • CInsulin
   • DOestrogen

   (b)

   Which gland produces both of the hormones that work together to control blood glucose concentration?

   [1 mark]

   • APancreas
   • BThyroid
   • COvaries
   • DTestes

   (c)

   Explain, using the idea of negative feedback, how insulin and glucagon normally work together to keep blood glucose concentration at a stable level in a healthy person.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A couple is attending a fertility clinic because the woman has irregular ovulation and they are struggling to conceive naturally. The clinic doctor discusses hormone treatments and the possibility of IVF (in vitro fertilisation).

   (a)

   A couple is attending a fertility clinic to discuss why the woman has irregular ovulation. Describe the roles of FSH and LH in controlling ovulation during the menstrual cycle.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   The doctor recommends IVF treatment. Describe how hormones are used during IVF, and explain the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in preparing the body for pregnancy.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A school nurse runs a health education session for older students, covering two topics: how the nervous and hormonal systems compare as ways of sending signals around the body, and how hormones are used to treat diabetes and to prevent pregnancy.

   (a)

   A school nurse runs a health education session comparing how the nervous system and the hormonal (endocrine) system send signals around the body, using the example of insulin release compared with a reflex action. Compare nervous and hormonal communication in terms of speed, duration and specificity.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   The nurse also explains the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and describes how hormonal contraceptives work. Describe the causes and treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and explain how the combined pill and the progesterone-only pill act as contraceptives.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions