1. What is the endocrine system composed of ?
a) hormones b) tissues c) organs d) glands
Answer
d) glands
2. Name the organ that monitors and controls blood glucose concentration, and the hormone it produces when blood glucose concentration is too high.
Answer
The pancreas monitors blood glucose concentration and releases insulin when blood glucose levels are high.
3. Name the organ that maintains the water balance of the body.
a) lungs b) skin c) kidney d) liver
Answer
c) kidney
4. What does a spermicide (or spermicidal agent) do ?
a) neutralises acids in the vagina to protect sperm
b) blocks the cervix to prevent sperm entry
c) kills or disables sperm
d) stimulates ovulation to reduce fertilisation chances
Answer
c) kills or disables sperm
5. Explain why the pituitary gland is described as the "master gland".
Answer
The pituitary gland secretes several hormones which act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released and bring about effects.
6. Describe how type 1 and type 2 diabetes are caused.
Answer
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells no longer respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas.
7. Explain what could happen to our body cells if the blood was too dilute.
Answer
Water would enter cells by osmosis, causing them to function inefficiently or to swell and burst.
8. Suggest the reason for the protein concentration of the kidney filtrate and urine.
a) proteins are too big to be filtered out of the blood
b) proteins dissolve easily in water and pass through the filter
c) proteins are broken down into amino acids before filtration
d) proteins are reabsorbed in the liver instead of the kidney
Answer
a) proteins are too big to be filtered out of the blood
9. Explain what happens when the concentrations of oestrogen and progesterone drop after day 22 of the menstrual cycle.
Answer
The uterus lining breaks down and menstruation (or period) occurs.
10. Suggest some disadvantages of sterilisation.
a) it prevents sexually transmitted infections completely
b) it reduces the effectiveness of other contraceptive methods
c) it increases hormone production leading to side effects
d) it is not easily reversed and may be permanent, with risk of infection after operation
Answer
d) it is not easily reversed and may be permanent, with risk of infection after operation