Human Anatomy and Physiology : Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

What hormones, secreted by the adrenal medulla, facilitate the fight or flight response?

Possible Answers:

Gastrin and secretin

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Estrogen and progesterone

Correct answer:

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Explanation:

The adrenal medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which cause the fight or flight response. The thyroid gland produces triiodothryonine and thyroxine, which are used for metabolism, growth, and development. The ovaries and placenta produce estrogen and progesterone, which are used for fetal/maternal development and egg production. Lastly, the stomach and small intestines produce gastrin and secretin, which are used to assist digestion and nutrient absorption.

Example Question #2 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

What hormones do adipose tissue secrete?

Possible Answers:

Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin

Estrogen and progesterone

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Thymosin and thymopoietin

Correct answer:

Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin

Explanation:

Adipose tissue secretes leptin, adiponectin, and resistin which affect food intake, metabolism, and reproduction. The thymus gland is responsible for secreting thymosin and thymopietin. Ovaries and the placenta secrete estrogen and progesterone. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine. 

Example Question #3 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

What are the functions of the hormones secreted by the alpha and beta cells of the pancreas?

Possible Answers:

Release or inhibit pituitary hormones

Metabolize glucose and other nutrients

Egg or sperm production

Regulates plasma calcium and phosphate levels 

Correct answer:

Metabolize glucose and other nutrients

Explanation:

The hormones secreted by the alpha and beta cells of the pancreas are glucagon and insulin, respectively. These hormones are associated with the metabolism glucose. Glucagon increases blood glucose levels, while insulin does the opposite. Follicle-stimulating hormone is responsible for egg or sperm development. Tropic hormones from the hypothalamus are what release or inhibit pituitary hormones. Lastly, thymosin and thymopoietin are what regulate blood calcium and phosphate levels. 

Example Question #4 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

What hormone, released by the liver, increases blood pressure?

Possible Answers:

Cortisol

Angiotensinogen

Oxytocin

Vitamin D3

Correct answer:

Angiotensinogen

Explanation:

The liver secretes angiotensinogen and insulin-like growth factors. Only angiotensinogen is responsible for increasing blood pressure by acting on blood vessels. Cortisol is released by the adrenal cortex, oxytocin is released by the posterior pituitary, and vitamin D3 is found being activated in the skin. Angiotensinogen is a zymogen that is converted into angiotensin I by renin (secreted by the kidney). Then angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor. Angiotensin II also promotes the release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex, which increases sodium reabsorption. Lastly, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is released from the posterior pituitary to act on the distal convoluted tubule and the collecting duct to increase the permeability of water via upregulation of aquaporins. Together, these hormones act to increase blood pressure.

Example Question #5 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

Which of the following hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex?

Possible Answers:

Insulin

Erythropoietin

Epinephrine

Androgens

Correct answer:

Androgens

Explanation:

The adrenal cortex secretes androgens, cortisol, and aldosterone. The adrenal medulla is what secretes epinephrine. The kidney secretes erythropoietin. Lastly, the pancreas is what secretes insulin. 

Example Question #5 : Help With Hormone Origins And Targets

The secretion of hormones of the anterior pituitary are stimulated or inhibited by hormones secreted from the __________

Possible Answers:

Adrenal medulla 

Thyroid

Hypothalamus 

Posterior pituitary

Parathyroid 

Correct answer:

Hypothalamus 

Explanation:

The secretion of hormones of the anterior pituitary is stimulated or inhibited by releasing and/or inhibiting factors released from the hypothalamus into the hypophyseal portal system. 

Example Question #11 : Endocrine And Reproductive Physiology

Steroid hormones are synthesized from which molecule? 

Possible Answers:

Cyclooxygenase

Tyrosine 

Deoxyribose 

Cholesterol 

Cortisol 

Correct answer:

Cholesterol 

Explanation:

Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol. The amine hormones are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine. Cortisol is an example of a steroid hormone, and is not a precursor for the synthesis of other steroid hormones.

Example Question #12 : Systems Physiology

Match the following adrenal layer to the correct secretory product.

Possible Answers:

Medulla; aldosterone

Zona reticularis; catecholamines

Zona fasciculata; aldosterone

Medulla; androgens

Zona glomerulosa; aldosterone

Correct answer:

Zona glomerulosa; aldosterone

Explanation:

The following are appropriate matches of adrenal layers to their corresponding secretory products: zona glomerulosa; aldosterone, zona fasciculata; cortisol and minor amount of androgens, zona reticularis; androgens, medulla; catecholamines. The layers of the adrenal glands, from superficial to deep are: capsule, zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis, medulla.  

Example Question #13 : Systems Physiology

Which of the following is not a response due to increased levels of parathyroid hormone?

Possible Answers:

Decreased levels of calcium in the blood

Increased osteoclast activity

Increased production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

Increased absorption of calcium in the renal tubule

Increased calcium absorption in the intestines

Correct answer:

Decreased levels of calcium in the blood

Explanation:

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released when blood calcium levels are low, and functions to raise blood calcium levels via a negative feedback mechanism. It does this by increasing osteoclast activity and degrading bone to release calcium into the blood. It also increases absorption of calcium in the renal tubule, increases production of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and increases absorption of calcium in the intestines.

Example Question #1 : Help With Hormone Effects

Which of the following is not a role of the hormone gastrin?

Possible Answers:

Increase gastric motility

Increase release of pepsinogen

Increase growth of gastric mucosa

Increase gastric acid secretion

Increase pancreatic bicarbonate secretion

Correct answer:

Increase pancreatic bicarbonate secretion

Explanation:

Gastrin is a hormone secreted by the G cells of the stomach that acts to increase gastric acid secretion, increases the growth of gastric mucosa, increases gastric motility, and stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. In addition to stimulating the release of pepsinogen, gastrin stimulates the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. Bicarbonate, however, is not an enzyme and is stimulated by another hormone.

Secretin is a hormone secreted by the S cells in the duodenum that acts to increase pancreatic bicarbonate secretion and decrease gastric acid secretion.

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