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28 Dec 2025
•
GCSE Combined Science: Biology B5 - Exploring Homeostasis
Sara Hasanbegovic
@sarahasanbegovic_08
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Ever wondered why some people need insulin injections? Type 1 diabetes happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your pancreas, so it can't make insulin anymore. This usually develops during childhood and means blood glucose levels stay dangerously high.
Type 2 diabetes is different - it's often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise. Here, your body still makes insulin, but your cells stop responding to it properly. Obesity is a major risk factor, but the good news is it can often be managed through diet and regular exercise.
Quick Tip: Remember that Type 1 = no insulin production, Type 2 = insulin resistance!
Puberty and Reproductive Health
Puberty kicks off when your body starts releasing sex hormones, triggering all those physical changes like facial hair in males. In men, testosterone is the main hormone that stimulates sperm production. For women, oestrogen takes the lead.
The menstrual cycle follows a 28-day pattern: the uterine lining breaks down , then builds up into a thick, blood-rich layer ready for a fertilised egg. Ovulation happens around day 14 when an egg is released. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the cycle starts again.
Contraception comes in many forms - from barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms to hormonal options like the pill (which contains oestrogen and progesterone). There are also long-term options like IUDs and injections. For couples struggling with infertility, IVF can help by fertilising eggs outside the body before transferring embryos to the uterus.
The Nervous System and Reflexes
Your nervous system is basically your body's electrical wiring. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) coordinates everything, while neurons carry electrical impulses like biological cables. Sensory neurons bring information from receptors to your CNS, whilst motor neurons carry commands to muscles and glands.
Reflex actions are your body's emergency responses that bypass your brain for speed. When you touch something hot, the signal goes: receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → muscle. This happens automatically before you even realise what's going on!
Synapses are tiny gaps between neurons where electrical impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters - chemical messengers that jump across to continue the signal.
Remember: Reflexes are automatic, rapid responses that don't involve conscious thought - they're survival mechanisms!
Hormones and Homeostasis
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and transported in your blood to target organs. The pituitary gland is like the master controller, whilst other glands like the thyroid (controls metabolism) and pancreas (manages blood sugar) have specific jobs.
Homeostasis keeps your internal environment stable through negative feedback loops. When blood glucose gets too high, your pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose and convert excess into glycogen for storage. When levels drop too low, glucagon does the opposite - converting stored glycogen back into glucose.
Adrenaline from your adrenal glands prepares you for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate and breathing, plus releasing glucose for quick energy. Meanwhile, thyroxine from your thyroid regulates your metabolic rate and influences growth and development.
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Most popular content: Homeostasis
Most popular content in Biology
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Combined Science: Biology B5 - Exploring Homeostasis
Sara Hasanbegovic
@sarahasanbegovic_08
Your body is like a complex machine that needs constant monitoring and control to keep everything running smoothly. This covers two major control systems - hormones and the nervous system - plus how your body manages blood sugar and reproduction.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Ever wondered why some people need insulin injections? Type 1 diabetes happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your pancreas, so it can't make insulin anymore. This usually develops during childhood and means blood glucose levels stay dangerously high.
Type 2 diabetes is different - it's often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise. Here, your body still makes insulin, but your cells stop responding to it properly. Obesity is a major risk factor, but the good news is it can often be managed through diet and regular exercise.
Quick Tip: Remember that Type 1 = no insulin production, Type 2 = insulin resistance!
Puberty and Reproductive Health
Puberty kicks off when your body starts releasing sex hormones, triggering all those physical changes like facial hair in males. In men, testosterone is the main hormone that stimulates sperm production. For women, oestrogen takes the lead.
The menstrual cycle follows a 28-day pattern: the uterine lining breaks down , then builds up into a thick, blood-rich layer ready for a fertilised egg. Ovulation happens around day 14 when an egg is released. If pregnancy doesn't occur, the cycle starts again.
Contraception comes in many forms - from barrier methods like condoms and diaphragms to hormonal options like the pill (which contains oestrogen and progesterone). There are also long-term options like IUDs and injections. For couples struggling with infertility, IVF can help by fertilising eggs outside the body before transferring embryos to the uterus.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Nervous System and Reflexes
Your nervous system is basically your body's electrical wiring. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) coordinates everything, while neurons carry electrical impulses like biological cables. Sensory neurons bring information from receptors to your CNS, whilst motor neurons carry commands to muscles and glands.
Reflex actions are your body's emergency responses that bypass your brain for speed. When you touch something hot, the signal goes: receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → muscle. This happens automatically before you even realise what's going on!
Synapses are tiny gaps between neurons where electrical impulses trigger the release of neurotransmitters - chemical messengers that jump across to continue the signal.
Remember: Reflexes are automatic, rapid responses that don't involve conscious thought - they're survival mechanisms!
Hormones and Homeostasis
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and transported in your blood to target organs. The pituitary gland is like the master controller, whilst other glands like the thyroid (controls metabolism) and pancreas (manages blood sugar) have specific jobs.
Homeostasis keeps your internal environment stable through negative feedback loops. When blood glucose gets too high, your pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb glucose and convert excess into glycogen for storage. When levels drop too low, glucagon does the opposite - converting stored glycogen back into glucose.
Adrenaline from your adrenal glands prepares you for 'fight or flight' by increasing heart rate and breathing, plus releasing glucose for quick energy. Meanwhile, thyroxine from your thyroid regulates your metabolic rate and influences growth and development.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Homeostasis
Most popular content in Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user