Homeostasis and Response

Homeostasis and Response covers how the body keeps its internal conditions stable, including the nervous system and reflex arc, the endocrine system, blood glucose control, the menstrual cycle and contraception, and temperature and water regulation. Triple adds the eye, the brain and plant hormones.

Homeostasis itself is the organising idea, so learn the receptor, coordination centre and effector structure before anything else — every example in the unit fits that pattern. The reflex arc rewards learning the pathway in order and being able to explain why it is fast. Blood glucose control is the topic most often examined in depth, and the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is expected. Common errors include confusing the nervous and hormonal systems on speed and duration, and describing negative feedback without naming it.