Question 1

Which layer of the adrenal cortex is primarily responsible for the secretion of mineralocorticoids, and what is the chief hormone produced by this layer?

Accepted Answer

Zona glomerulosa; aldosterone

Question 2

A patient presents with elevated blood potassium ($K^+$) levels. Which hormone is most likely to be secreted in response, and what is its primary effect on the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; promotes potassium loss and sodium reabsorption

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the role of cortisol during long-term stress?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates gluconeogenesis, raising blood glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids

Question 4

Excessive levels of glucocorticoids can have which of the following effects on the body?

Accepted Answer

Depress cartilage and bone formation, inhibit inflammation, and depress the immune system

Question 5

Which hormone is secreted by the heart and acts to reduce blood pressure, blood volume, and blood sodium concentration?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 6

A patient with decreased blood pressure and blood sodium ($Na^+$) levels is likely to have increased secretion of which hormone, and what is the physiological mechanism behind this response?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation

Question 7

Which hormone produced by the kidneys signals the production of red blood cells, and what is its target tissue?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin; bone marrow

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct sequence of layers from the outermost to innermost in the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis

Question 9

Which hormone is most influential in the conversion of androgens to estrogens after menopause?

Accepted Answer

Androgens

Question 10

A patient is experiencing symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, including high blood glucose and suppressed immune function. Which hormone is most likely elevated?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Question 11

Which hormone is released from adipose tissue and is involved in the regulation of satiety and energy expenditure?

Accepted Answer

Leptin

Question 12

Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla and is more potent in stimulating heart rate and metabolic activities?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 13

Which process is stimulated by cortisol and results in the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources?

Accepted Answer

Gluconeogenesis

Question 14

A patient with Addison's disease has low levels of aldosterone. What effect would this have on blood sodium ($Na^+$) and potassium ($K^+$) levels?

Accepted Answer

Decreased $Na^+$, increased $K^+$

Question 15

Which hormone is essential for the development of T lymphocytes in the immune system?

Accepted Answer

Thymopoietins and thymosins

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of nor-epinephrine released from the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Increases peripheral vasoconstriction and blood pressure

Question 17

Which hormone is necessary for sperm production and the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics in males?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone

Question 18

If a patient has a tumor in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, which hormone would most likely be overproduced?

Accepted Answer

Androgens

Question 19

Which hormone is released in response to stress and acts via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Question 20

Which hormone is secreted in response to decreased blood oxygen levels and stimulates erythropoiesis?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin

Adrenal (Suprarenal) Glands: Structure, Function, and Hormones

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