1. How do receptors impart specificity within the endocrine system? What might be some advantages of having complex mechanisms for hormone action (such as second messengers)?

2. Why do you think it’s important to maintain a constant blood glucose level? Several hormones discussed in this chapter affect carbohydrate metabolism. Why is it important to have more than one? How do they interact?

3. An injection of too much insulin may cause a diabetic to go into insulin shock, in which the person may appear drunk or may become unconscious, suffer convulsions, and even die. From what you know about the actions of insulin, explain the physiological causes of insulin shock.