Question 1

A patient presents with rapid weight gain, increased fat deposition in the face and upper back, and muscle weakness. Laboratory tests reveal elevated cortisol levels. Which disorder is most likely, and what is the underlying hormonal abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's syndrome; hypersecretion of cortisol

Question 2

Which layer of the adrenal cortex is responsible for secreting mineralocorticoids, and what is the primary mineralocorticoid produced?

Accepted Answer

Zona glomerulosa; aldosterone

Question 3

Cholesterol is a precursor for the synthesis of all adrenal cortex hormones. Which of the following correctly matches the hormone class with its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids: promote gluconeogenesis and stress adaptation

Question 4

A tumor in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension and hypokalemia

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis control of cortisol secretion?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus releases CRH, stimulating the anterior pituitary to release ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol.

Question 6

Which of the following is a direct effect of aldosterone on the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Increased reabsorption of $$\mathrm{Na^+}$$ and increased elimination of $$\mathrm{K^+}$$

Question 7

Catecholamines are secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to which of the following stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system stimulation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the chemical structure of catecholamines?

Accepted Answer

A benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups and an amine side chain

Question 9

A patient with Addison's disease is likely to present with which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Bronzing of the skin, weight loss, and hypotension

Question 10

Which hormone is primarily responsible for regulating circadian rhythms and is secreted by the pineal gland?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 11

The pancreas has both exocrine and endocrine functions. Which of the following best describes its endocrine role?

Accepted Answer

Release of insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream

Question 12

Which of the following correctly compares the effects of insulin and glucagon on blood glucose levels?

Accepted Answer

Insulin decreases blood glucose; glucagon increases it

Question 13

A patient with untreated diabetes mellitus is at risk for developing ketoacidosis. Which of the following best explains why?

Accepted Answer

Lack of insulin leads to increased fat metabolism, producing acidic ketone bodies

Question 14

Which hormone is secreted by the heart in response to high blood pressure and acts to decrease blood volume and pressure?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the hormone leptin, secreted by adipose tissue?

Accepted Answer

Suppresses appetite and increases energy expenditure

Question 16

A patient with a tumor of the adrenal medulla (pheochromocytoma) is likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Uncontrolled sympathetic nervous system activity, including hypertension and sweating

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of somatostatin secreted by the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct effect of glucocorticoids on metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Promote gluconeogenesis and increase blood glucose

Question 19

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the development and maturation of T cells in the thymus?

Accepted Answer

Thymosin

Question 20

A patient is found to have high blood potassium ($$\mathrm{K^+}) $$levels. Which hormone would be expected to increase in response, and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; increases $$\mathrm{K^+}$$ elimination by the kidneys

Endocrine Glands: Structure, Function, and Hormonal Regulation

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