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.
C. Gay 2/4/09
Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology
Key Terms
adrenal cortex
insulin
adrenal gland
local regulator
adrenal medulla
mineralocorticoid
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
neurosecretory cell
androgen
norepinephrine
antagonistic hormones
pancreas
anterior pituitary
parathyroid glands
calcitonin
parathyroid hormone (PTH)
corticosteroid
pineal gland
diabetes mellitus
pituitary gland
endocrine gland
posterior pituitary
endocrine system
progestin
endorphin
prolactin (PRL)
epinephrine
releasing hormone
estrogen
steroid hormone
glucagon
target cell
glucocorticoid
testosterone
goiter
TRH-releasing hormone
gonad
triiodothyronine (T3)
growth hormone (GH)
thyroid gland
hormone
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
hypoglycemia
thyroxine (T4)
hypothalamus
thymus gland
inhibiting hormone
C. Gay 2/4/09
Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology