Question 1

Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which the endocrine system communicates with target cells?

Accepted Answer

By secreting hormones into the bloodstream, which then bind to specific receptors on target cells.

Question 2

A hormone is released from a gland and travels through the blood to affect distant organs. This is an example of which type of signaling?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine

Question 3

Which of the following statements correctly contrasts the nervous and endocrine systems?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system acts at specific locations, while the endocrine system acts at diverse locations.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why steroid hormones require transport proteins in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Transport proteins allow steroid hormones to cross the cell membrane leading to a cellular response.

Question 5

Insulin binds to a receptor on the outside of the target cell. Based on this, which type of hormone is insulin and why?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid-based, because it does not pass through the cell membrane of the target cell.

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct statement about hormone receptors?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid-based hormone receptors are typically found on the cell membrane.

Question 7

A patient is given a drug that blocks all hormone receptors on the cell membrane. Which hormone's action would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Question 8

Which of the following best describes paracrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

A cell releases a chemical messenger that acts on nearby cells within the same tissue.

Question 9

Which hormone is correctly matched with its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol – increases blood sugar during stress

Question 10

A researcher discovers a new hormone that is water-soluble, cannot cross the cell membrane, and binds to receptors on the cell surface. Which class of hormone does this most likely belong to?

Accepted Answer

Amino acid-based hormone

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct statement about the distribution of the endocrine system in the body?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine organs are distributed throughout the body.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function controlled by hormones?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of nerve impulses

Question 13

A hormone is synthesized from cholesterol, is lipid-soluble, and binds to a receptor inside the cell. Which hormone is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the action of neurotransmitter at a synapse is sometimes considered a form of paracrine signaling?

Accepted Answer

Because the neurotransmitter acts on nearby cells within the same tissue.

Question 15

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding target cells for hormones?

Accepted Answer

Target cells are cells that possess a receptor that binds a particular hormone.

Question 16

Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach with target cells in the anterior pituitary. Why is the stomach not usually considered an organ of the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

Because the stomach's primary function is not endocrine signaling.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between the endocrine system and other body systems?

Accepted Answer

The organs of most other systems are typically connected or in close proximity, while the endocrine system is distributed throughout the body.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pairing of hormone and its function?

Accepted Answer

Growth hormone – initiates cell division

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why amino acid-based hormones cannot cross the cell membrane?

Accepted Answer

They are water-soluble and cannot pass through the hydrophobic core of the membrane.

Question 20

A patient has a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Which of the following body functions is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte balance

Introduction to Chemical Messengers and the Endocrine System

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