Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Exocrine glands secrete products onto epithelial surfaces, while endocrine glands release hormones into tissue fluids and blood.

Question 2

A patient presents with symptoms of hyperglycemia, polyuria, and glycosuria. Which hormone is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Insulin

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone; promotes Na$$^+$$ retention and K$$^+$$ excretion

Question 4

Which of the following hormones is NOT secreted by the anterior pituitary?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 5

A patient has a tumor that destroys the parathyroid glands. Which of the following is the most likely immediate consequence?

Accepted Answer

Fatal tetany due to hypocalcemia

Question 6

Which hormone is released in response to dehydration and increased blood osmolarity, and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH); increases water retention by the kidneys

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the mechanism of action for hydrophobic hormones such as steroid hormones?

Accepted Answer

They bind to intracellular receptors and directly activate gene transcription.

Question 8

A patient with Graves disease has high levels of thyroid hormone due to antibodies mimicking which hormone?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Question 9

Which hormone is secreted by the pineal gland and is associated with the regulation of circadian rhythms and seasonal affective disorder?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct example of a negative feedback loop in endocrine regulation?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood glucose stimulates insulin release, which lowers blood glucose and inhibits further insulin release.

Question 11

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of milk in the mammary glands after childbirth?

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Question 12

Which hormone is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets and what is its primary effect?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon; raises blood glucose

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the permissive effect of hormones?

Accepted Answer

One hormone enhances the target organ's response to a second hormone.

Question 14

A patient with Cushing syndrome is likely to exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hyperglycemia, muscle weakness, and fat redistribution

Question 15

Which hormone is produced by the corpus luteum and is essential for maintaining pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Question 16

Which of the following hormones is derived from cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Question 17

Which hormone is secreted by the heart in response to increased blood pressure and what is its effect?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); decreases blood volume by increasing Na$$^+$$ and H$$_2O $$excretion

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of up-regulation of hormone receptors?

Accepted Answer

Increased sensitivity to the hormone

Question 19

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 20

Which of the following is a function of somatostatin secreted by the pancreas?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits secretion of insulin and glucagon

The Endocrine System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions