Question 1

Which of the following best describes a key difference between the nervous system and the endocrine system in terms of signal transmission?

Accepted Answer

The nervous system uses electrical impulses for rapid, point-to-point control, while the endocrine system broadcasts chemical messages via the bloodstream to all cells.

Question 2

A patient is given a drug that blocks all G protein-coupled receptors on cell membranes. Which hormone action would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble hormones acting as first messengers

Question 3

Which of the following statements about hormone solubility and transport is correct?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble hormones are dissolved in plasma and act quickly, but cannot cross the plasma membrane.

Question 4

A patient with a tumor in the adrenal cortex is found to have high levels of cortisol. Which syndrome is most likely present, and what is a classic symptom?

Accepted Answer

Cushing syndrome; upper body obesity and 'moon face'

Question 5

Which hormone is secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels, and what is its primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Insulin; increases glucose uptake and utilization by cells

Question 6

A patient presents with muscle spasms and tetany. Laboratory tests reveal low blood calcium levels. Which hormone is most likely deficient?

Accepted Answer

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why steroid hormones have a longer duration of action compared to peptide hormones?

Accepted Answer

Steroid hormones require transport proteins and are not quickly removed from the blood.

Question 8

A person with untreated hypothyroidism is likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Lethargy, cold intolerance, and slowed body functions

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of a negative feedback mechanism in the endocrine system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating the synthesis of glucose from amino acids in the liver during fasting?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon

Question 11

A patient with Graves disease is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical features?

Accepted Answer

Exophthalmos (bulging eyes) and hyperactivity

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the action of water-soluble hormones?

Accepted Answer

They bind to membrane receptors and activate second messengers such as cAMP.

Question 13

During the resistance phase of the stress response, which hormone is dominant and what is the main metabolic shift?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids; shift to utilizing lipids and amino acids for energy

Question 14

A patient with diabetes insipidus is most likely to have a deficiency of which hormone, and what is a classic symptom?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH); excessive urination and dehydration

Question 15

Which of the following is a permissive effect in hormone action?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine increases cellular energy consumption only in the presence of thyroid hormones.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Melatonin; regulation of circadian rhythms

Question 17

A patient with a deficiency in thyroid hormones during childhood is at risk for which condition, and what is a key symptom?

Accepted Answer

Cretinism; short stature and mental retardation

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why a goiter may develop in a person with iodine deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Iodine deficiency impairs thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to increased TSH stimulation and thyroid gland enlargement.

Question 19

Which hormone is released by the heart and acts to lower blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 20

A patient with hypercalcemia is found to have elevated calcitonin levels. What is the primary action of calcitonin in this scenario?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit osteoclast activity and promote calcium uptake into bone

The Endocrine System: Structure, Function, and Hormone Classification

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards