Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Explain that adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the…
Full specification wording
Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.2 Explain that adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for fight or flight, including: a increased heart rate b increased blood pressure c increased blood flow to the muscles d raised blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to change glycogen into glucose
Adrenalin is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 19
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Adrenalin is a hormone released by the adrenal glands, which sit above the kidneys. It prepares the body for fight or flight, the rapid response to a threat. Adrenalin raises the heart rate so blood is pumped faster, and increases blood pressure so blood reaches tissues quickly. It increases blood flow to the muscles so they receive more oxygen and glucose for respiration. It also raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the blood. A useful method is to link each effect to its benefit: faster heart and higher pressure deliver oxygen and glucose quickly, muscle blood flow supplies working muscles, and extra glucose fuels respiration.
What earns the marks
- Adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands.
- Adrenalin prepares the body for fight or flight.
- The raised glucose is released into the blood to fuel respiration in muscles.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying adrenalin is made by the pancreas.
Put it right by stating it is produced by the adrenal glands above the kidneys.
Claiming adrenalin lowers heart rate.
Put it right by stating it increases heart rate to prepare for fight or flight.
Thinking the liver converts glucose into glycogen in this response.
Put it right by stating adrenalin stimulates the liver to change glycogen into glucose, raising blood sugar.
Believing adrenalin reduces blood flow to muscles.
Put it right by stating it increases blood flow to the muscles.
Exam tips
- Link each effect to its purpose, such as faster heart rate delivering oxygen and glucose quickly, to choose the best option.
- Check the direction of change: adrenalin increases heart rate, blood pressure, muscle blood flow and blood sugar.
- Watch for options that reverse the liver reaction; the correct direction is glycogen to glucose.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis: 7.2 Explain that adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for fight or flight, including: a increased heart rate b increased blood pressure c increased blood flow to the muscles d raised blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to change glycogen into glucose lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which gland produces adrenalin to prepare the body for fight or flight?
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