Advanced Pathophysiology Exam Prep 2026/2027
1. What is the primary function of incretins in the body?
To stimulate glucagon production
To help control post-prandial blood glucose
To increase glucose absorption in the intestines
To enhance fat storage
2. If a patient has low blood sugar levels, which hormone would you expect to
be secreted by the pancreas to counteract this condition?
Insulin
Thyroxine
Glucagon
Adrenaline
3. What is a circadian rhythm?
Eating a meal.
A constant but pulsatile release of hormone.
A pattern that follows a 24 hour cycle.
A negative feedback loop in which a hormone is inhibited by another
hormone
4. If a patient presents with symptoms of hyperthyroidism and a swollen thyroid
gland, what condition might they be suffering from, and what would be the
expected hormonal levels?
, Hypothyroidism with low thyroid hormone levels.
Cushing's disease with elevated cortisol levels.
Diabetes with normal insulin levels.
Grave's Disease with elevated thyroid hormone levels.
5. What is the primary purpose of a negative feedback system in hormone
regulation?
To enhance cellular metabolism
To increase hormone production
To stimulate the hypothalamus
To maintain homeostasis
6. _________________ is an abnormally low blood glucose concentration, often
accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperglycemia
Hypoglycemia
Hypokalemia
7. Describe the role of the different types of cells in the Islets of Langerhans in
regulating blood sugar levels.
Alpha cells produce somatostatin, beta cells produce glucagon, delta
cells produce insulin, and F or PP cells produce pancreatic
polypeptide.
Alpha cells produce glucagon, beta cells produce insulin, delta
cells produce somatostatin, and F or PP cells produce pancreatic
polypeptide, all of which help regulate blood sugar levels.
, Alpha cells produce insulin, beta cells produce glucagon, delta cells
produce pancreatic polypeptide, and F or PP cells produce
somatostatin.
Alpha cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, beta cells produce
insulin, delta cells produce glucagon, and F or PP cells produce
somatostatin.
8. What hormone released into the blood (shown by letter D) by the posterior
pituitary inhibits or prevents urine formation?
antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
cortisol
oxytocin
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
9. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)
Inhibits TSH & ACTH
Inhibits prolactin & TSH
Stimulates prolactin & TSH
Stimulates TSH & ACTH
10. Describe the mechanism by which water soluble hormones exert their
effects on target cells.
Water soluble hormones bind to receptors on the cell surface,
initiating a cascade of intracellular effects.
Water soluble hormones inhibit the production of other hormones.
Water soluble hormones enter the cell and directly alter DNA
transcription.
, Water soluble hormones are converted into lipid-soluble forms
before acting on cells.
11. Describe how parathyroid hormone (PTH) contributes to calcium
homeostasis in the body.
PTH increases blood calcium levels by promoting absorption in the
GI tract and mobilizing calcium from bones.
PTH regulates blood glucose levels by affecting insulin secretion.
PTH has no significant role in calcium homeostasis.
PTH decreases blood calcium levels by inhibiting calcium absorption
in the kidneys.
12. If a patient has a deficiency in antidiuretic hormone (ADH), what condition
might they develop, and what would be the primary symptom?
Diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and urination.
Hyperglycemia, characterized by increased blood sugar levels.
Hypothyroidism, characterized by fatigue and weight loss.
Cushing's disease, characterized by weight gain and high blood
pressure.
13. Which management approach for diabetes focuses on maintaining a
balanced diet, regular physical activity, and weight control?
Lifestyle modification
Glucose Monitoring Devices
Gluconeogenesis Inhibitors
Urinalysis