Human Anatomy and Physiology : Gland Physiology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Endocrine Physiology

What is the function of calcitonin?

Possible Answers:

Increases calcium levels

Increases heart rate

Binds T4 to T3

Decreased calcium levels

Correct answer:

Decreased calcium levels

Explanation:

Calcitonin is produced by the C-cells located in the thyroid gland and its main function is to decrease plasma calcium. This is done primarily through the activation of osteoblasts, which take calcium in the blood and store it in bone.

Example Question #1 : Help With Thymus And Adrenal Physiology

What is the synthesis site for the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine?

Possible Answers:

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal medulla

Pituitary gland

Testes

Correct answer:

Adrenal medulla

Explanation:

Epinephrine is a tyrosine derivative hormone that is synthesized in the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland has two sections: the cortex and the medulla. While the cortex secretes cortisol, aldosterone, and other glucocorticoids, the medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

The testes are associated with testosterone production. The pituitary gland secretes several hormones that regulate numerous processes throughout the body. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is linked to mediation of epinephrine production, but it is the sympathetic nervous system that is responsible for stimulating epinephrine release.

Example Question #2 : Help With Thymus And Adrenal Physiology

Which one of these adrenal gland structures is incorrectly paired with the hormone(s) it secretes?

Possible Answers:

Zona reticularis—gonadocorticoids

All of these are correctly paired

Adrenal medulla—catecholamines

Zona fasciculata—glucocorticoids

Zona glomerulosa—epinephrine

Correct answer:

Zona glomerulosa—epinephrine

Explanation:

The zona glomerulosa secretes mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). All other pairings are correct.

Note that the layers of the adrenal gland, organized from superficial to deep, are the capsule, the zona glomerulosa, the zona fasciculata, the zona reticularis, and the adrenal medulla.

Example Question #51 : Endocrine Physiology

The adrenal glands are located just superior to which organ? 

Possible Answers:

Liver 

Kidney

Anterior pituitary 

Parathyroid 

Thyroid 

Correct answer:

Kidney

Explanation:

The adrenal glands are located above the upper end of each kidney. The adrenal medulla makes up the center of each gland, and produces epinephrine and norepinephrine. The adrenal cortex makes up the outer layer of the gland and produces glucocorticoids, gonadocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. 

Example Question #51 : Endocrine Physiology

Within the adrenal glands, where are chromaffin cells located?

Possible Answers:

Adrenal medulla 

Adrenal capsule

Zona glomerulosa 

Zona reticularis

Zona fasciculata

Correct answer:

Adrenal medulla 

Explanation:

Chromaffin cells are found in the adrenal medulla (adrenal glands are located above the kidneys.) Chromaffin cells are regulated by preganglionic sympathetic fibers and release catecholamines, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) into systemic circulation. The secreted epinephrine and norepinephrine play an important role in the "fight or flight" response elicited by the sympathetic nervous system. The zona glomerulosa is responsible for secreting aldosterone, the zona fasciculata is responsible for secreting cortisol (and a small amount of androgens) and the zona reticularis is primarily responsible for secreting androgens. 

Example Question #52 : Endocrine Physiology

Which of the following endocrine glands regulate the body's stress response?

Possible Answers:

Thryoid gland

Testes

Pancreas

Adrenal glands

Ovaries

Correct answer:

Adrenal glands

Explanation:

The adrenal glands, located superior to the kidneys, are responsible for secreting epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol in order to regulate the body's stress, or "fight-or-flight," response. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones and calcitonin. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar. The ovaries and testes secrete sex hormones that regulate sexual development.

Example Question #53 : Endocrine Physiology

The adrenal medulla's preganglionic fibers fire directly onto which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Chromaffin cells

Pheochromocytoma

Paravertebral chains

Smooth muscle

Correct answer:

Chromaffin cells

Explanation:

The adrenal medulla is a specialized ganglion of the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenal medulla's preganglionic fibers synapse directly onto chromaffin cells located within the adrenal medulla. This causes the chromaffin cells to secrete epinephrine (80%) and norepinephrine (20%) into the circulation.

A Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive amounts of catecholamines.

Example Question #7 : Help With Thymus And Adrenal Physiology

Mineralocorticoids are produced in the __________ layer of the adrenal cortex and glucocorticoids are produced in the __________ layer of the adrenal cortex.

Possible Answers:

zona fasciculata; zona glomerulosa

zona reticularis; zona fasciculata

zona glomerulosa; zona reticularis

zona glomerulosa; adrenal medulla

zona glomerulosa; zona fasciculata

Correct answer:

zona glomerulosa; zona fasciculata

Explanation:

The three layers of the adrenal cortex are the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The hormones produced in each layer are mineralcorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens, respectively.

The common way to help remember the layers of the adrenal cortex from superficial to deep is the acronym "GFR" and the respective hormones produced are "salt, sugar, and sex" hormones. Salt hormones=mineralocorticoids, sugar hormone=glucocorticoids, and sex hormones are the androgens.

Example Question #1 : Help With Pancreas, Liver, And Kidney Physiology

Which of the following is not a role of insulin?

Possible Answers:

Increases glycogen synthesis and storage

Increases protein synthesis in muscles

Increases triglyceride storage

Increases glycogenolysis

Increases cellular uptake of potassium

Correct answer:

Increases glycogenolysis

Explanation:

Insulin is made in the beta cells of the pancreas in response to ATP from glucose metabolism. Insulin inhibits glucagon release by alpha cells of the pancreas in a negative feedback mechanism to maintain constant blood glucose levels.

Insulin has several anabolic effects, including increased glucose transport in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, increased glycogen synthesis and storage, increased triglyceride storage, increased protein synthesis in muscles, and increased cellular uptake of potassium and amino acids. 

Glycogen is made by pancreatic alpha cells and is secreted in response to hypoglycemia, resulting in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis to increase circulating blood glucose levels.

Example Question #2 : Help With Pancreas, Liver, And Kidney Physiology

Which of the following is not a function of bile?

Possible Answers:

Transportation and absorption of lipids

Cholesterol excretion

Antimicrobial activity

Emulsification of lipids

Digestion and absorption of protein

Correct answer:

Digestion and absorption of protein

Explanation:

Bile is composed of bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, bilirubin, water and ions. Bile functions in the emulsification and absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as cholesterol excretion. Bile also has antimicrobial activity via membrane disruption. In the duodenum, bile will orient hydrophobic regions around a lipid micelle and provide hydrophilic interaction with the surrounding environment. The micelle can then be transported to the lacteals for introduction to the lymphatic system and absorption.

Bile is not involved in protein digestion; this is the function of proteases, such as trypsin.

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