the:
A: adrenal islets
B: islets of Langerhans
C: medullary cortex
D: adrenal medulla
Rationale:
The endocrine cells that produce insulin and glucagon are located in the islets of Langerhans within
the pancreas.
QUESTION: What are the functions of the pancreas?
A: Production of renin and regulation of blood pressure
B: Storage and movement of food into the small intestine
C: Concentration and storage of bile
D: Production of insulin and certain enzymes that aid in digestion
Rationale:
The pancreas has both endocrine functions (producing insulin) and exocrine functions (secreting
digestive enzymes).
QUESTION: Which of the following processes occurs during multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
(MODS)?
A: MODS activates the kallikrein-kinin system, releasing bradykinin, a vasoconstrictor
B: The ischemic pancreas releases myocardial depressant factor, impairing cardiac contractility
C: Vascular endothelial damage depresses coagulation, causing the blood to clot
D: The liver produces too little AST and ALT
Rationale:
In MODS, poor perfusion to the pancreas causes it to release myocardial depressant factor (MDF),
which weakens heart muscle function.
QUESTION: The pancreas, liver, and gallbladder connect to the digestive system at the:
,A: ilium
B: secum
C: jejunum
D: duodenum
Rationale:
All three organs deliver digestive enzymes or bile into the duodenum, the first part of the small
intestine.
QUESTION: The exocrine function of the pancreas produces:
A: insulin
B: glucagon
C: enzymes
D: somatostatin
Rationale:
Exocrine cells of the pancreas secrete digestive enzymes into the duodenum.
QUESTION: The endocrine component of the pancreas:
A: comprises the pancreatic duct
B: comprises the islets of Langerhans
C: releases epinephrine and norepinephrine
D: secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum
Rationale:
The islets of Langerhans are the endocrine portion that releases hormones such as insulin and
glucagon.
QUESTION: When the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin:
A: the cells will metabolize oxygen and function normally
B: glucose levels in the blood and urine will be elevated
C: serum glucose levels will fall and brain damage may occur
D: the body will stop making glucose as a protective mechanism
Rationale:
Without effective insulin, glucose cannot enter cells and instead accumulates in the blood and
eventually the urine.
.
QUESTION: Insulin resistance occurs when:
, A: autoantibodies break down insulin before it can be utilized
B: the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine renders insulin less effective
C: the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body cannot utilize it effectively
D: the body produces excessive insulin, causing a drop in blood glucose
Rationale:
Insulin resistance means the body produces insulin, but the cells fail to respond to it properly. This
leads to elevated glucose levels despite adequate insulin production.
QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a major component of the hematologic system?
A: Liver
B: Spleen
C: Pancreas
D: Bone marrow
Rationale:
The hematologic system includes the blood, bone marrow, spleen, and liver. The pancreas is part of
the endocrine and digestive systems, not the blood system.
QUESTION: Intraperitoneal organs include all of the following, EXCEPT the:
A: pancreas
B: stomach
C: small bowel
D: gallbladder
Correct Answer: A: pancreas
Rationale:
The pancreas lies mostly in the retroperitoneal space, not within the intraperitoneal cavity, making it
the exception among the listed organs.
QUESTION: Which of the following is NOT a function of the pancreas?
A: Enzyme secretion
B: Secretion of insulin
C: Glucagon secretion
D: Reservoir for bile
Rationale:
Bile storage is a function of the gallbladder, not the pancreas. The pancreas produces digestive
enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon.