PHGY 216 MIDTERM & FINAL EXAM NEWEST EXAM PREPARATION NEWEST WITH COMPLETE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS| BRAND NEW VERSION
Question 1
Which of the following best defines a hormone and distinguishes it from other cellular
secretions?
A) They are produced by neurons and travel across a synaptic cleft to a neighbor cell.
B) They are chemical substances secreted into the blood in large quantities to act locally.
C) They are chemical substances secreted into the blood at low quantities that exert effects at a
distant target tissue.
D) They are produced by exocrine glands and released into ducts for digestion.
E) They are always composed of lipids and cannot dissolve in plasma.
Correct Answer: C) They are chemical substances that are secreted directly into the blood @
low quantities and exert a physiological effect @ a distant target tissue
Rationale: Unlike paracrine or autocrine secretions, hormones must travel through the
systemic circulation (blood) to reach receptors on distant organs. They operate at very low
concentrations (nanomolar or picomolar) to trigger significant physiological responses.
Question 2
How do neurotransmitters and hormones differ in terms of their transport and travel distance?
A) Neurotransmitters belong to the endocrine system; hormones belong to the nervous system.
B) Neurotransmitters travel long distances through the blood; hormones travel across a synaptic
cleft.
C) Neurotransmitters are produced by endocrine glands; hormones are produced by neurons.
D) Neurotransmitters travel short distances across a synaptic cleft; hormones travel long
distances via the blood.
E) There is no functional difference; the terms are interchangeable.
Correct Answer: D) Neurotransmitters travel short distances across a synaptic cleft;
hormones travel long distances via the blood.
Rationale: Neurotransmitters are released by neurons to act on a post-synaptic cell
immediately adjacent to the release site. Hormones are released by endocrine glands into
the bloodstream, allowing them to affect tissues throughout the entire body.
Question 3
Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of hydrophilic hormones?
A) They have high lipid solubility and require carrier proteins in plasma.
B) They are primarily steroid and thyroid hormones.
C) They are highly water-soluble and can generally be found unbound in the plasma.
D) They easily cross the cell membrane to bind to intracellular receptors.
E) Thyroid hormones are a classic example of this water-loving group.
Correct Answer: C) Highly water soluble and have low lipid solubility; can be found
unbound to carrier molecules within the plasma
, 2
Rationale: Hydrophilic hormones (peptides and catecholamines) dissolve easily in
water/plasma, so they do not need carrier proteins. Because they cannot cross the lipid
bilayer of target cells, they must bind to surface receptors. Note: Thyroid hormones are
amines but are hydrophobic exceptions.
Question 4
Which of the following is true regarding hydrophobic hormones?
A) They are dissolved directly in the plasma.
B) They include peptide hormones synthesized by ER ribosomes.
C) they generally require carrier molecules for transport throughout the body.
D) They cannot pass through the lipid bilayer of a cell.
E) Catecholamines are the primary members of this group.
Correct Answer: C) Highly soluble in lipids and poorly soluble in water; generally require
carrier molecules for transport
Rationale: Hydrophobic hormones (steroids and thyroid hormones) do not dissolve well in
blood. They bind to plasma proteins for transport. Their lipid solubility allows them to pass
through cell membranes and bind to receptors inside the nucleus or cytoplasm.
Question 5
What is the correct sequence for the synthesis and release of a peptide hormone?
A) Storage in vesicles -> Synthesis by Golgi -> Packing by ER -> Exocytosis.
B) Synthesis of preprohormones by ER ribosomes -> Processing in Golgi -> Storage in vesicles -
> Exocytosis.
C) Synthesis of steroid rings -> Processing in Mitochondria -> Immediate diffusion -> Secretion.
D) Packing into vesicles -> Synthesis in cytoplasm -> Storage in ER -> Endocytosis.
E) Direct release from the nucleus -> Transport by blood -> Storage in target tissue.
Correct Answer: B) 1. Synthesis (Preprohormones by ER) -> 2. Packing (Golgi) -> 3. Storage
(Vesicles) -> 4. Secretion (Exocytosis)
Rationale: Peptide hormones are proteins. They are built as large precursors
(preprohormones) on ribosomes, pruned and packaged into active forms within the Golgi
apparatus, and held in vesicles until a signal triggers their release via calcium-dependent
exocytosis.
Question 6
How does the hypothalamus control the release of hormones from the posterior pituitary?
A) Through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system.
B) By secreting releasing hormones into the blood.
C) Via axons of neurons (supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) that terminate on blood vessels
in the lobe.
D) By releasing hormones into the general systemic circulation first.
E) The posterior pituitary is independent and not controlled by the hypothalamus.
, 3
Correct Answer: C) Connected to hypothalamus by a neural pathway; axons project down
the pituitary stalk and terminate on blood vessels in the posterior pituitary
Rationale: The posterior pituitary is neuroendocrine tissue. It does not produce its own
hormones; instead, it stores and releases Vasopressin and Oxytocin, which are synthesized
in the cell bodies of the hypothalamus and transported down the axons.
Question 7
The hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system is critical for the function of the anterior pituitary
because:
A) It allows neurotransmitters to bypass the blood-brain barrier.
B) It carries hypothalamic inhibiting/promoting hormones directly to the anterior lobe to prevent
dilution.
C) It transports Vasopressin to the kidneys.
D) It provides a neural link for the release of Oxytocin.
E) It allows the anterior pituitary to control the hypothalamus.
Correct Answer: B) Hypothalamus secretes hormones into this portal system and are carried
directly to the anterior pituitary where they inhibit or promote release
Rationale: The portal system is a vascular link. By delivering hypophysiotropic hormones
directly to the anterior pituitary, the hypothalamus can control the release of TSH, ACTH,
GH, LH, FSH, and Prolactin using very small amounts of signal.
Question 8
Which of the following pairs correctly identifies hormones released by the posterior pituitary?
A) Growth Hormone and Prolactin.
B) TSH and ACTH.
C) LH and FSH.
D) Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin.
E) Cortisol and Aldosterone.
Correct Answer: D) Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin.
Rationale: Only two hormones are released from the posterior pituitary. Vasopressin (Anti-
diuretic hormone) regulates water balance and blood pressure, while Oxytocin regulates
uterine contractions and milk ejection.
Question 9
What is the primary physiological function of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)?
A) To stimulate the release of thyroid hormones.
B) To regulate body growth and metabolism.
C) To stimulate the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex.
D) To promote milk production in females.
E) To cause ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.
Correct Answer: C) Stimulates secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex
, 4
Rationale: ACTH is released by the anterior pituitary in response to CRH from the
hypothalamus. Its specific target is the adrenal cortex (primarily the zona fasciculata),
where it triggers the production of cortisol.
Question 10
In the female reproductive system, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is responsible for:
A) Stimulating sperm production.
B) Growth and development of ovarian follicles.
C) Ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum, and secretion of estrogen/progesterone.
D) Enhancing breast development.
E) inhibiting the release of GnRH.
Correct Answer: C) Responsible for ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum, also
secretion of estrogen and progesterone from ovaries
Rationale: A surge in LH mid-cycle triggers the release of the egg (ovulation). Following
this, LH maintains the remaining follicle cells as they transform into the corpus luteum,
which secretes the hormones necessary for pregnancy.
Question 11
Which hypothalamic hormone is correctly matched with its inhibitory effect on the anterior
pituitary?
A) TRH - inhibits TSH.
B) GnRH - inhibits LH.
) GHIH (Somatostatin) - inhibits Growth Hormone and TSH.
D) CRH - inhibits ACTH.
E) PRH - inhibits Prolactin.
Correct Answer: C) Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH) - inhibits the release of
GH and TSH
Rationale: Most hypothalamic hormones are stimulatory, but GHIH (also known as
Somatostatin) provides negative regulation for both Growth Hormone and Thyroid-
Stimulating Hormone.
Question 12
During thyroid hormone synthesis, what occurs during the "iodide trapping" phase?
A) Iodide is diffused into the blood.
B) Iodide is taken up by follicular cells using a Na+ cotransporter against its concentration
gradient.
C) Iodine is attached to tyrosine residues.
D) T3 and T4 are broken down into iodide.
E) Thyroglobulin is expelled into the colloid.
Correct Answer: B) Iodide is taken up by follicular cells through a process called iodide
trapping, iodide is driven against its [ ] grad by using a Na+ cotransporter
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS| BRAND NEW VERSION
Question 1
Which of the following best defines a hormone and distinguishes it from other cellular
secretions?
A) They are produced by neurons and travel across a synaptic cleft to a neighbor cell.
B) They are chemical substances secreted into the blood in large quantities to act locally.
C) They are chemical substances secreted into the blood at low quantities that exert effects at a
distant target tissue.
D) They are produced by exocrine glands and released into ducts for digestion.
E) They are always composed of lipids and cannot dissolve in plasma.
Correct Answer: C) They are chemical substances that are secreted directly into the blood @
low quantities and exert a physiological effect @ a distant target tissue
Rationale: Unlike paracrine or autocrine secretions, hormones must travel through the
systemic circulation (blood) to reach receptors on distant organs. They operate at very low
concentrations (nanomolar or picomolar) to trigger significant physiological responses.
Question 2
How do neurotransmitters and hormones differ in terms of their transport and travel distance?
A) Neurotransmitters belong to the endocrine system; hormones belong to the nervous system.
B) Neurotransmitters travel long distances through the blood; hormones travel across a synaptic
cleft.
C) Neurotransmitters are produced by endocrine glands; hormones are produced by neurons.
D) Neurotransmitters travel short distances across a synaptic cleft; hormones travel long
distances via the blood.
E) There is no functional difference; the terms are interchangeable.
Correct Answer: D) Neurotransmitters travel short distances across a synaptic cleft;
hormones travel long distances via the blood.
Rationale: Neurotransmitters are released by neurons to act on a post-synaptic cell
immediately adjacent to the release site. Hormones are released by endocrine glands into
the bloodstream, allowing them to affect tissues throughout the entire body.
Question 3
Which statement accurately describes a characteristic of hydrophilic hormones?
A) They have high lipid solubility and require carrier proteins in plasma.
B) They are primarily steroid and thyroid hormones.
C) They are highly water-soluble and can generally be found unbound in the plasma.
D) They easily cross the cell membrane to bind to intracellular receptors.
E) Thyroid hormones are a classic example of this water-loving group.
Correct Answer: C) Highly water soluble and have low lipid solubility; can be found
unbound to carrier molecules within the plasma
, 2
Rationale: Hydrophilic hormones (peptides and catecholamines) dissolve easily in
water/plasma, so they do not need carrier proteins. Because they cannot cross the lipid
bilayer of target cells, they must bind to surface receptors. Note: Thyroid hormones are
amines but are hydrophobic exceptions.
Question 4
Which of the following is true regarding hydrophobic hormones?
A) They are dissolved directly in the plasma.
B) They include peptide hormones synthesized by ER ribosomes.
C) they generally require carrier molecules for transport throughout the body.
D) They cannot pass through the lipid bilayer of a cell.
E) Catecholamines are the primary members of this group.
Correct Answer: C) Highly soluble in lipids and poorly soluble in water; generally require
carrier molecules for transport
Rationale: Hydrophobic hormones (steroids and thyroid hormones) do not dissolve well in
blood. They bind to plasma proteins for transport. Their lipid solubility allows them to pass
through cell membranes and bind to receptors inside the nucleus or cytoplasm.
Question 5
What is the correct sequence for the synthesis and release of a peptide hormone?
A) Storage in vesicles -> Synthesis by Golgi -> Packing by ER -> Exocytosis.
B) Synthesis of preprohormones by ER ribosomes -> Processing in Golgi -> Storage in vesicles -
> Exocytosis.
C) Synthesis of steroid rings -> Processing in Mitochondria -> Immediate diffusion -> Secretion.
D) Packing into vesicles -> Synthesis in cytoplasm -> Storage in ER -> Endocytosis.
E) Direct release from the nucleus -> Transport by blood -> Storage in target tissue.
Correct Answer: B) 1. Synthesis (Preprohormones by ER) -> 2. Packing (Golgi) -> 3. Storage
(Vesicles) -> 4. Secretion (Exocytosis)
Rationale: Peptide hormones are proteins. They are built as large precursors
(preprohormones) on ribosomes, pruned and packaged into active forms within the Golgi
apparatus, and held in vesicles until a signal triggers their release via calcium-dependent
exocytosis.
Question 6
How does the hypothalamus control the release of hormones from the posterior pituitary?
A) Through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system.
B) By secreting releasing hormones into the blood.
C) Via axons of neurons (supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) that terminate on blood vessels
in the lobe.
D) By releasing hormones into the general systemic circulation first.
E) The posterior pituitary is independent and not controlled by the hypothalamus.
, 3
Correct Answer: C) Connected to hypothalamus by a neural pathway; axons project down
the pituitary stalk and terminate on blood vessels in the posterior pituitary
Rationale: The posterior pituitary is neuroendocrine tissue. It does not produce its own
hormones; instead, it stores and releases Vasopressin and Oxytocin, which are synthesized
in the cell bodies of the hypothalamus and transported down the axons.
Question 7
The hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system is critical for the function of the anterior pituitary
because:
A) It allows neurotransmitters to bypass the blood-brain barrier.
B) It carries hypothalamic inhibiting/promoting hormones directly to the anterior lobe to prevent
dilution.
C) It transports Vasopressin to the kidneys.
D) It provides a neural link for the release of Oxytocin.
E) It allows the anterior pituitary to control the hypothalamus.
Correct Answer: B) Hypothalamus secretes hormones into this portal system and are carried
directly to the anterior pituitary where they inhibit or promote release
Rationale: The portal system is a vascular link. By delivering hypophysiotropic hormones
directly to the anterior pituitary, the hypothalamus can control the release of TSH, ACTH,
GH, LH, FSH, and Prolactin using very small amounts of signal.
Question 8
Which of the following pairs correctly identifies hormones released by the posterior pituitary?
A) Growth Hormone and Prolactin.
B) TSH and ACTH.
C) LH and FSH.
D) Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin.
E) Cortisol and Aldosterone.
Correct Answer: D) Vasopressin (ADH) and Oxytocin.
Rationale: Only two hormones are released from the posterior pituitary. Vasopressin (Anti-
diuretic hormone) regulates water balance and blood pressure, while Oxytocin regulates
uterine contractions and milk ejection.
Question 9
What is the primary physiological function of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)?
A) To stimulate the release of thyroid hormones.
B) To regulate body growth and metabolism.
C) To stimulate the secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex.
D) To promote milk production in females.
E) To cause ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum.
Correct Answer: C) Stimulates secretion of cortisol by the adrenal cortex
, 4
Rationale: ACTH is released by the anterior pituitary in response to CRH from the
hypothalamus. Its specific target is the adrenal cortex (primarily the zona fasciculata),
where it triggers the production of cortisol.
Question 10
In the female reproductive system, Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is responsible for:
A) Stimulating sperm production.
B) Growth and development of ovarian follicles.
C) Ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum, and secretion of estrogen/progesterone.
D) Enhancing breast development.
E) inhibiting the release of GnRH.
Correct Answer: C) Responsible for ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum, also
secretion of estrogen and progesterone from ovaries
Rationale: A surge in LH mid-cycle triggers the release of the egg (ovulation). Following
this, LH maintains the remaining follicle cells as they transform into the corpus luteum,
which secretes the hormones necessary for pregnancy.
Question 11
Which hypothalamic hormone is correctly matched with its inhibitory effect on the anterior
pituitary?
A) TRH - inhibits TSH.
B) GnRH - inhibits LH.
) GHIH (Somatostatin) - inhibits Growth Hormone and TSH.
D) CRH - inhibits ACTH.
E) PRH - inhibits Prolactin.
Correct Answer: C) Growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GHIH) - inhibits the release of
GH and TSH
Rationale: Most hypothalamic hormones are stimulatory, but GHIH (also known as
Somatostatin) provides negative regulation for both Growth Hormone and Thyroid-
Stimulating Hormone.
Question 12
During thyroid hormone synthesis, what occurs during the "iodide trapping" phase?
A) Iodide is diffused into the blood.
B) Iodide is taken up by follicular cells using a Na+ cotransporter against its concentration
gradient.
C) Iodine is attached to tyrosine residues.
D) T3 and T4 are broken down into iodide.
E) Thyroglobulin is expelled into the colloid.
Correct Answer: B) Iodide is taken up by follicular cells through a process called iodide
trapping, iodide is driven against its [ ] grad by using a Na+ cotransporter
