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Cambridge O Level Biology 5090

Human systems

Coordination and control

Compare nervous and hormonal coordination and explain receptors, reflexes and homeostatic control.
5090 syllabus routeConcept · skill · exam language
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Your study notes

What to know

Build the topic around four anchors.

  1. 01Receptors and effectors
  2. 02Neurones and reflex arcs
  3. 03Hormones
  4. 04Blood-glucose and temperature control

Exam skills

What the paper asks you to do

  • Trace a reflex pathway
  • Compare nervous and endocrine responses
  • Explain negative feedback clearly

Common mistakes

Where marks disappear

  • Confusing receptor with sense organ
  • Treating hormones as electrical impulses
  • Describing feedback without the corrective response

Turn this topic into a clear answer.

Write your response, reveal the teaching points, and check your own reasoning.

Practise this topic’s structured questions ↗

Structured practice

Answer these without looking back.

For each prompt, write the biological chain clearly enough that every mark-worthy link is visible.

  1. 01Trace a reflex from stimulus to response.
  2. 02Compare insulin and glucagon action.
  3. 03Explain one response to rising body temperature.

Continue learning

Read the connected explanation.

Follow ions and channels across an axon membrane, then see how an electrical signal becomes chemical at a synapse.

Next topicDevelopment and continuity of life

This independent teaching resource follows the Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 syllabus direction and is not endorsed by Cambridge International Education.