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Endocrine System - Structure and function of thyroid, parathyroid, pituitary, adrenal gland and pancreas

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones to regulate various body functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood. Major endocrine glands include the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, ovaries, and testes. These glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs and tissues. The pituitary gland, often called the "master gland," controls other endocrine glands. The endocrine system works closely with the nervous system to maintain the body’s internal balance, or homeostasis. Proper hormone function is essential for overall health and development.

Time: 15:00

Which gland is often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the functions of many other endocrine glands?

[a] Thyroid gland

[b] Adrenal gland

[c] Pituitary gland

[d] Pancreas

Which hormone, produced by the anterior pituitary, stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its hormones?

[a] Growth Hormone (GH)

[b] Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

[c] Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

[d] Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus. They are:

[a] Insulin and Glucagon

[b] Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

[c] Cortisol and Aldosterone

[d] Thyroxine (T4) and Calcitonin

The primary function of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland (T3 and T4) is to:

[a] Regulate blood calcium levels

[b] Control the "fight-or-flight" response

[c] Regulate the body's metabolic rate

[d] Lower blood glucose levels

What mineral is essential for the proper synthesis of thyroid hormones?

[a] Calcium

[b] Sodium

[c] Iron

[d] Iodine

Which gland is located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland and is responsible for regulating blood calcium levels?

[a] Pituitary gland

[b] Parathyroid gland

[c] Adrenal gland

[d] Thymus gland

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) is released in response to low blood calcium levels. What is its primary effect?

[a] It decreases blood calcium levels by depositing calcium into bones.

[b] It stimulates the thyroid gland.

[c] It increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts to release calcium from bones.

[d] It lowers blood glucose.

Which two hormones have an antagonistic (opposite) effect on blood calcium regulation?

[a] Insulin and Glucagon

[b] Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

[c] Cortisol and Aldosterone

[d] Calcitonin and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

The adrenal glands are located superior to which organs?

[a] The liver

[b] The pancreas

[c] The kidneys

[d] The stomach

The adrenal medulla secretes hormones involved in the "fight-or-flight" response. These hormones are:

[a] Cortisol and Aldosterone

[b] Insulin and Glucagon

[c] Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

[d] T3 and T4

Which hormone, produced by the adrenal cortex, is a primary glucocorticoid that helps the body respond to long-term stress and has anti-inflammatory effects?

[a] Aldosterone

[b] Cortisol

[c] Adrenaline

[d] Androgen

Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid from the adrenal cortex, plays a key role in regulating:

[a] Blood sugar levels

[b] Blood volume and blood pressure by conserving sodium and water

[c] The body's metabolic rate

[d] The sleep-wake cycle

Which organ has both endocrine and exocrine functions?

[a] Thyroid gland

[b] Adrenal gland

[c] Pituitary gland

[d] Pancreas

The endocrine function of the pancreas is performed by clusters of cells called the:

[a] Adrenal cortex

[b] Islets of Langerhans

[c] Renal pyramids

[d] Thyroid follicles

Which hormone is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and acts to lower blood glucose levels?

[a] Glucagon

[b] Somatostatin

[c] Insulin

[d] Cortisol

When blood glucose levels are low, the alpha cells of the pancreas secrete which hormone to raise them?

[a] Insulin

[b] Aldosterone

[c] Calcitonin

[d] Glucagon

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is released by the pituitary gland and targets the:

[a] Thyroid gland

[b] Adrenal cortex

[c] Pancreas

[d] Adrenal medulla

Hyposecretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex can lead to which condition?

[a] Cushing's syndrome

[b] Gigantism

[c] Addison's disease

[d] Hyperthyroidism

Which of the following is an effect of glucagon?

[a] It promotes the uptake of glucose by cells.

[b] It stimulates the liver to break down glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis).

[c] It stimulates the conversion of glucose into glycogen.

[d] It lowers blood sugar levels after a meal.

A condition called goiter is an enlargement of which gland?

[a] Adrenal gland

[b] Pancreas

[c] Pituitary gland

[d] Thyroid gland

Hypersecretion of Growth Hormone (GH) in adulthood leads to a condition called:

[a] Dwarfism

[b] Acromegaly

[c] Gigantism

[d] Myxedema

The adrenal cortex is divided into three zones. Which hormone is produced by the outermost zone (zona glomerulosa)?

[a] Cortisol

[b] Epinephrine

[c] Aldosterone

[d] Androgens

What is the primary effect of insulin?

[a] To increase blood glucose

[b] To facilitate the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells

[c] To increase the rate of metabolism

[d] To raise blood calcium levels

Calcitonin is produced by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of which gland?

[a] Parathyroid gland

[b] Pancreas

[c] Thyroid gland

[d] Adrenal gland

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability to produce or effectively use which hormone?

[a] Glucagon

[b] Aldosterone

[c] Thyroxine

[d] Insulin