AP Biology Study Guide
Chapter 26: Hormones and the Endocrine System
Opening Essay
1. Explain how endocrine disruptors are causing environmental problems.
The Nature of Chemical Regulation
2. Compare the mechanisms and functions of the endocrine and nervous systems, noting areas of overlap.
3. Distinguish between hormones, local regulators, pheromones, and neurotransmitters.
4. Distinguish between the two major classes of vertebrate hormones and compare the two general mechanisms by which hormones trigger changes in target cells.
The Vertebrate Endocrine System
5. Describe the different types and functions of vertebrate endocrine organs.
6. Describe the functions of and interrelationships between the hypothalamus and the anterior and posterior pituitary glands.
Hormones and Homeostasis
7. Describe the functions of the thyroid gland. Describe the symptoms of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter.
8. Explain how the thyroid and parathyroid glands maintain calcium homeostasis.
9. Explain how insulin and glucagon manage blood glucose levels.
10. Compare the causes and symptoms of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and hypoglycemia.
11. Compare the functions of the hormones released by the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. Describe the benefits and risks of using glucocorticoid drugs.
12. Describe the three major categories of sex hormones and their functions.
13. Describe the diverse functions of prolactin in vertebrate groups.
Key Terms
C. Gay 2/4/09 Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology
adrenal cortex
adrenal gland
adrenal medulla
adrenocorticotropichormone (ACTH)
androgen
antagonistic hormones
anterior pituitary
calcitonin
corticosteroid
diabetes mellitus
endocrine gland
endocrine system
endorphin
epinephrine
estrogen
glucagon
glucocorticoid
goiter
gonad
growth hormone (GH)
hormone
hypoglycemia
hypothalamus
inhibiting hormone
insulin
local regulator
mineralocorticoid
neurosecretory cell
norepinephrine
pancreas
parathyroid glands
parathyroid hormone(PTH)
pineal gland
pituitary gland
posterior pituitary
progestin
prolactin (PRL)
releasing hormone
steroid hormone
target cell
testosterone
TRH-releasing hormone
triiodothyronine (T3)
thyroid gland
thyroid-stimulatinghormone (TSH)
thyroxine (T4)
thymus gland
C. Gay 2/4/09 Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology