AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Human endocrine system: adrenal gland
The adrenal glands are key components of the human endocrine system, situated directly above the kidneys.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 8 of 10
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The adrenal glands are key components of the human endocrine system, situated directly above the kidneys. The endocrine system is composed of various glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream. The blood then carries these hormones to target organs where they produce an effect. Compared to the nervous system, the effects of the endocrine system are slower but act for longer. Remember that 'renal' relates to the kidneys.
What earns the marks
- Identifies the adrenal glands as endocrine glands located above the kidneys on a body diagram.
- Recognises that the adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system.
- States that endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Identifies that hormones from glands like the adrenal gland travel in the blood to target organs.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Placing the adrenal glands in the neck.
Put it right by locating them just above the kidneys.
Confusing the adrenal glands with the pancreas.
Put it right: The pancreas is located centrally behind the stomach, whereas the adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys.
Drawing the adrenal glands attached to the digestive system.
Put it right: They are located on the superior pole of the kidneys in the excretory system area.
Exam tips
- Learn the positions of all major endocrine glands, including the adrenal glands, for diagram labelling questions.
- Remember that 'renal' refers to kidneys, so 'ad-renal' helps you remember they are located on the kidneys.
Try the lesson
The start of the Human endocrine system: adrenal gland lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which hormone is produced by the adrenal glands?
Listen
The adrenal glands are key components of the human endocrine system, situated directly above the kidneys. The endocrine system is composed of various glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream. The blood then carries these hormones to target organs where they produce an effect. Compared to the nervous system, the effects of the endocrine system are slower but act for longer. Remember that 'renal' relates to the kidneys. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies the adrenal glands as endocrine glands located above the kidneys on a body diagram. Recognises that the adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. States that endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Identifies that hormones from glands like the adrenal gland travel in the blood to target organs. A common slip: Placing the adrenal glands in the neck. Instead, locating them just above the kidneys. Exam tip: Learn the positions of all major endocrine glands, including the adrenal glands, for diagram labelling questions.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
adrenal gland
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endocrine system
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hormones
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target organs
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See every definition
- adrenal gland
- An endocrine gland located above the kidneys, which students must identify on a diagram of the human body.
- endocrine system
- A system composed of various glands that secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- hormones
- Chemicals secreted by glands directly into the bloodstream, which carries them to target organs where they produce an effect.
- target organs
- Organs to which the blood carries hormones, where they produce an effect.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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