Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of the endocrine system in the human body?

Accepted Answer

It produces about 30 different hormones to control and coordinate body processes.

Question 2

Direct communication between cells involves which of the following mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of ions and molecules between adjacent cells across gap junctions.

Question 3

Which type of intercellular communication involves a cell releasing chemicals that affect only itself?

Accepted Answer

Autocrine communication

Question 4

A hormone binds to a receptor on the surface of a target cell and activates a second messenger. Which class of hormone is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Peptide hormone

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a possible effect of hormone binding to its receptor?

Accepted Answer

Initiation of muscle contraction via direct electrical stimulation

Question 6

Which hormone is released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 7

A patient presents with low production of gonadotropins. What condition might they be experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Hypogonadism

Question 8

Which hormone is secreted by the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland and is virtually nonfunctional in adults except in certain conditions?

Accepted Answer

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)

Question 9

Which of the following statements about thyroid hormones is correct?

Accepted Answer

Thyroxine (T4) contains four iodine atoms.

Question 10

What is the primary effect of calcitonin produced by the thyroid gland?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates Ca2+ excretion by kidneys and prevents Ca2+ absorption by digestive tract.

Question 11

Which hormone is secreted by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood calcium levels?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Question 12

Which of the following is a major effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH)?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates osteoclasts and accelerates Ca2+ release from bone.

Question 13

The adrenal cortex is responsible for producing which class of hormones?

Accepted Answer

Steroid hormones (corticosteroids)

Question 14

Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland and is involved in regulating reproductive functions and protecting against free radicals?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 15

When blood glucose levels increase, which pancreatic cells secrete insulin?

Accepted Answer

Beta cells

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT an effect of insulin on target cells?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating breakdown of triglycerides in adipocytes

Question 17

Which hormone mobilizes energy reserves by stimulating glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis in the liver?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon

Question 18

Which organ produces erythropoietin (EPO) and calcitriol as part of its secondary endocrine functions?

Accepted Answer

Kidneys

Question 19

Which hormone produced by adipose tissue provides feedback control of appetite and maintains normal levels of GnRH and gonadotropin synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Leptin

Question 20

A patient has a deficiency in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). What would be the expected effect on the thyroid follicles?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid follicles would become inactive, and neither synthesis nor secretion of thyroid hormones would occur.

The Endocrine System: Structure, Function, and Regulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions