Question 1

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 2

A patient presents with low blood calcium levels. Which hormone is most likely to be secreted in response, and from which gland?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid gland

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the anterior pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system

Question 4

Which hormone is released from the posterior pituitary and acts on the kidneys to conserve water?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 5

A histological slide shows large, spherical follicles filled with colloid and lined by simple cuboidal epithelium. Which gland is this?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid gland

Question 6

Which hormone is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets, and what is its effect on blood glucose?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon; increases blood glucose

Question 7

Which hormone stimulates the secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Question 8

A patient with damage to the posterior pituitary would most likely have difficulty with which physiological process?

Accepted Answer

Retaining water in the kidneys

Question 9

Which of the following is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary, and what is its target?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); adrenal cortex

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Question 11

A patient has elevated levels of cortisol. Which region of the adrenal gland is most likely overactive?

Accepted Answer

Zona fasciculata

Question 12

Which hormone is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, and what is its primary effect?

Accepted Answer

Insulin; decreases blood glucose

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the function of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

Accepted Answer

Increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts and enhancing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys

Question 14

Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla and what is its primary effect during the 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine; increases heart rate and blood pressure

Question 15

A patient with a tumor in the anterior pituitary is producing excess growth hormone (GH). What is a likely consequence in an adult?

Accepted Answer

Acromegaly

Question 16

Which hormone is produced by the ovaries and is primarily responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen

Question 17

Which hormone is produced by the testes and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone; stimulates sperm production and development of male secondary sex characteristics

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the histological difference between the anterior and posterior pituitary gland?

Accepted Answer

Anterior pituitary contains more cell bodies (granule-like), posterior pituitary contains more axons (fiber-like)

Question 19

Which hormone is released in response to high blood glucose levels, and what is its effect on target cells?

Accepted Answer

Insulin; stimulates glucose uptake by cells

Question 20

A patient is unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Which hormone from the anterior pituitary is likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Functional Anatomy of Endocrine Glands: Structure, Hormones, and Histology

Study Guide - Practice Questions