# Explain how the nervous system and endocrine system work together to maintain blood glucose concentration within normal limits following a carbohydrate-rich meal.

> IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus) — C3.1 Integration of body systems · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The nervous system detects the rise in blood glucose via glucose receptors / beta cells in the islets of Langerhans act as sensors that respond directly to elevated blood glucose.
2. Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin into the blood in response to high blood glucose.
3. Insulin stimulates target cells (liver / muscle / adipose) to take up glucose, and the liver converts glucose to glycogen by glycogenesis, lowering blood glucose concentration.
4. The nervous system (via the hypothalamus and autonomic nervous system) integrates the hormonal response by modulating pancreatic secretion and stimulating satiety signals, illustrating negative feedback regulation that restores blood glucose to the set point.

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