Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the blood, while exocrine glands have ducts and secrete their products onto epithelial surfaces.

Question 2

A patient presents with symptoms of muscle spasms and tetany. Blood tests reveal low calcium levels. Which endocrine disorder is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hypoparathyroidism

Question 3

Which hormone is produced by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys

Question 4

Which of the following hormones is NOT produced by the anterior pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 5

A patient with an autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells would most likely develop which condition?

Accepted Answer

Type I diabetes mellitus

Question 6

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why steroid hormones can directly activate genes within target cells?

Accepted Answer

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and diffuse through the plasma membrane to bind to intracellular receptors.

Question 8

Which hormone is secreted in response to low blood calcium levels and acts to increase blood calcium?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Question 9

A patient with excessive secretion of growth hormone after epiphyseal plate closure will most likely develop which condition?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct sequence of events in the cAMP second messenger system?

Accepted Answer

Hormone binds to receptor → G-protein activated → Adenylate cyclase converts ATP to cAMP → cAMP activates protein kinases

Question 11

Which hormone is primarily responsible for lowering blood glucose levels after a meal?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Question 12

Which hormone is secreted by the pineal gland and is involved in regulating circadian rhythms?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system?

Accepted Answer

It carries releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus directly to the anterior pituitary.

Question 14

Which hormone is produced by the parafollicular (C) cells of the thyroid gland and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Calcitonin; decreases blood calcium levels

Question 15

A patient with Cushing’s disease is likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Redistribution of body fat, 'moon face', and suppressed immune function

Question 16

Which hormone is released in response to high blood pressure and acts to decrease blood volume and pressure?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 17

Which of the following is a function of glucocorticoids such as cortisol?

Accepted Answer

Stimulate glucose synthesis from fats and proteins (gluconeogenesis)

Question 18

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin

Question 19

Which hormone is secreted by the stomach when it is empty and stimulates hunger?

Accepted Answer

Ghrelin

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action for water-soluble hormones?

Accepted Answer

They bind to receptors on the plasma membrane and activate second messenger systems such as cAMP.

The Endocrine System: Structure, Function, and Hormone Regulation

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