Question 1

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids, and what is the primary function of glucocorticoids?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); anti-inflammatory effect and regulation of glucose metabolism

Question 2

A patient presents with excessive urination and dehydration. Which hormone deficiency is most likely responsible, and what is its normal function?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH); decreases water lost by kidneys and increases blood pressure by vasoconstriction

Question 3

Which hormone is secreted by the pineal gland and what is one of its primary roles?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin; setting circadian rhythm

Question 4

If a patient has low blood calcium levels, which gland and hormone would be activated to correct this imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid gland; parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of insulin secreted by pancreatic beta cells?

Accepted Answer

Facilitates the uptake of glucose and increases formation of lipids and glycogen

Question 6

Which hormone is responsible for the development and maturation of lymphocytes, and where is it produced?

Accepted Answer

Thymosin; thymus gland

Question 7

A patient with an overactive zona glomerulosa would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Increased sodium and water reabsorption, decreased potassium in urine

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Insulin; facilitates glucose uptake by cells

Question 9

Which hormone is responsible for inducing ovulation and stimulating the secretion of estrogen and progesterone?

Accepted Answer

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Question 10

Which hormone is produced by Sertoli cells in the testes and what is its function?

Accepted Answer

Inhibin; inhibits secretion of FSH

Question 11

A patient with a tumor in the anterior pituitary that overproduces somatotropin (GH) would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Accelerated protein synthesis and increased cell growth, especially in skeletal and cardiac muscle

Question 12

Which hormone is secreted by the adrenal medulla and what is one of its primary effects during a 'fight or flight' response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine; increases cardiac activity and blood pressure

Question 13

Which hormone decreases calcium concentration in body fluids and where is it produced?

Accepted Answer

Calcitonin; thyroid gland

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Prolactin

Question 15

A patient with a deficiency in thyroid hormones (T3, T4) would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Decreased energy utilization and slowed growth and development

Question 16

Which hormone is secreted by the ovaries and is responsible for preparing the uterus for implantation?

Accepted Answer

Progesterone

Question 17

Which hormone is released by pancreatic alpha cells and what is its effect on blood glucose?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon; increases blood glucose by breaking down lipids and glycogen

Question 18

Which hormone is responsible for the ejection of milk from the mammary glands and uterine contractions during childbirth?

Accepted Answer

Oxytocin

Question 19

Which hormone is produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex and what is one of its main functions?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol; anti-inflammatory effect and regulation of glucose metabolism

Question 20

Which hormone is secreted by the testes' interstitial cells and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone; functional maturation of sperm and development of male secondary sexual characteristics

The Endocrine System: Structure, Function, and Histology

Study Guide - Practice Questions