# Describe the roles of receptors, coordination centres, and effectors in maintaining homeostasis.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.5.1 Homeostasis · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Receptors detect stimuli / changes in the internal or external environment
2. Receptors send information / signals to coordination centres
3. Coordination centres (e.g. brain, spinal cord, pancreas) receive and process the information
4. Effectors (muscles or glands) bring about a response to restore optimum conditions / reverse the change

## Key terms

- [receptors](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/receptors)
- [coordination centres](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/coordination-centres)
- [effectors](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/effectors)
- [homeostasis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/homeostasis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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/describe-the-roles-of-receptors-coordination-ce3d4d13) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.