A teenager is going through puberty. Explain how the endocrine system controls the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty in a female, and describe the role of the ovaries in this process.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
During puberty, the body undergoes significant changes driven by hormones. These changes are controlled by the endocrine system, which uses chemical messengers to communicate with target organs.
Model answer (5 marks)
The endocrine system releases hormones directly into the bloodstream, allowing them to travel to target organs.
The pituitary gland secretes follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones act on the ovaries, stimulating follicular growth and ovulation.
The ovaries respond by producing the hormone oestrogen.
Oestrogen is the key hormone that controls and stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females, such as breast development, pubic and axillary hair growth and widening of the hips.
Oestrogen also regulates the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy and coordinating the cyclic release of FSH and LH.
The pituitary gland secretes follicle‑stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones act on the ovaries, stimulating follicular growth and ovulation.
The ovaries respond by producing the hormone oestrogen.
Oestrogen is the key hormone that controls and stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females, such as breast development, pubic and axillary hair growth and widening of the hips.
Oestrogen also regulates the menstrual cycle, preparing the uterus for potential pregnancy and coordinating the cyclic release of FSH and LH.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: endocrine system, hormones, bloodstream, pituitary, FSH, LH, ovaries, oestrogen, secondary sexual characteristics, menstrual cycle.
- Show the sequence: endocrine system → pituitary → FSH/LH → ovaries → oestrogen → effects.
- Mention the role of oestrogen in both development and cycle regulation.
- Keep the answer concise and structured to match the 5 marks.
Common mistakes
- Confusing oestrogen with progesterone or LH as the main hormone for secondary characteristics.
- Using vague phrases like ‘hormones’ without specifying FSH/LH or oestrogen.
- Omitting the role of the ovaries or the menstrual cycle.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- The endocrine system releases hormones directly into the bloodstream
- The pituitary gland releases FSH / LH which acts on the ovaries
- The ovaries produce oestrogen
- Oestrogen controls/stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics
- Oestrogen also regulates the menstrual cycle
Key terms in this question
endocrine system · secondary sexual characteristics
Related
- All OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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