Coordination and control – the endocrine system — OCR GCSE Biology
Test yourself on Coordination and control – the endocrine system with OCR GCSE practice questions.
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Coordination and control – the endocrine system explained
Reproductive hormones regulate secondary sexual characteristics, gametogenesis, and the human menstrual cycle.
Read the full explanation
In males, testosterone is produced by the testes; it stimulates sperm production, vocal cord deepening, and facial hair growth. In females, the menstrual cycle is coordinated by four key hormones over approximately 28 days. Follicle-stimulating hormone is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate an egg follicle to mature within an ovary. Oestrogen, secreted by the maturing ovarian follicle, repairs and thickens the vascular uterine endometrium. Following ovulation, progesterone is secreted by the corpus luteum to maintain the uterine lining in preparation for a fertilised embryo.
Your focus
- Describe the endocrine role of testosterone in male development and sperm production.
- Describe the primary functions of follicle-stimulating hormone, oestrogen, and progesterone in the female menstrual cycle.
- Identify the anatomical glands that produce each of the main human reproductive hormones.
Coordination and control – the endocrine system exam tips
Marking Points
- state that testosterone produced by the testes stimulates sperm production and male secondary sexual characteristics
- explain that follicle-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland causes an egg follicle to mature in an ovary
- describe the role of oestrogen in repairing and thickening the uterine lining during the first half of the cycle
- describe the role of progesterone in maintaining the vascularised uterine lining during the second half of the cycle
Examiner Tips
- 💡Remember that follicle-stimulating hormone comes from the pituitary gland, while oestrogen and progesterone are produced in the ovaries.
- 💡Learn the precise roles: oestrogen builds the lining, while progesterone keeps it thick and spongy for implantation.
Common Mistakes
- stating that progesterone builds the uterine lining, rather than explaining that oestrogen builds it and progesterone maintains it
- confusing the site of production of follicle-stimulating hormone (pituitary) with that of oestrogen and progesterone (ovaries)
- forgetting that testosterone is also responsible for secondary sexual characteristics in adolescent males