# 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.

> OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422) — 3.3 Reproduction, growth and development · Explain · 5 marks

> 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.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The endocrine system releases hormones directly into the bloodstream
2. The pituitary gland releases FSH / LH which acts on the ovaries
3. The ovaries produce oestrogen
4. Oestrogen controls/stimulates the development of secondary sexual characteristics
5. Oestrogen also regulates the menstrual cycle

## Key terms

- [endocrine system](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/endocrine-system)
- [secondary sexual characteristics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/secondary-sexual-characteristics)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-teenager-is-going-through-puberty-526e1682) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.