BIOL 251: Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/Lab 2026 - 2027
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Module 9: The Endocrine System
Complete Exam Review Questions with Verified Answers |
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Question 1
Which of the following best defines an endocrine gland?
A) A gland that secretes products into ducts
B) A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream
C) A gland that releases enzymes for digestion
D) A gland that only secretes steroids
Correct Answer: B) A ductless gland that secretes hormones
directly into the bloodstream
Explanation: Endocrine glands are ductless and release hormones
directly into the interstitial fluid, which then enters the
bloodstream . Exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto epithelial
surfaces . The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are examples of
endocrine glands, while sweat and salivary glands are exocrine .
,Question 2
Which term describes a chemical messenger transported by the blood to
distant target cells?
A) Neurotransmitter
B) Cytokine
C) Hormone
D) Enzyme
Correct Answer: C) Hormone
Explanation: Hormones are chemical messengers that travel via the
bloodstream to exert effects on distant target cells .
Neurotransmitters act locally at synapses. Cytokines are signaling
molecules of the immune system. Enzymes are catalysts that speed
up chemical reactions . Hormones regulate metabolism, growth,
reproduction, and homeostasis .
Question 3
Exocrine glands differ from endocrine glands because exocrine glands:
A) Release hormones into the blood
B) Have no ducts
C) Use ducts to secrete products onto epithelial surfaces
D) Only secrete steroids
Correct Answer: C) Use ducts to secrete products onto epithelial
surfaces
,Explanation: Exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto epithelial
surfaces, while endocrine glands are ductless and secrete
hormones directly into the bloodstream . Sweat glands, salivary
glands, and sebaceous glands are exocrine . Endocrine glands
include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas (endocrine
portion) .
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of an exocrine gland?
A) Pituitary gland
B) Sweat gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: B) Sweat gland
Explanation: Sweat glands are exocrine glands that secrete through
ducts onto the skin surface . The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal
glands are endocrine glands that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream . Exocrine glands also include salivary, sebaceous, and
digestive glands .
Question 5
Which gland is often referred to as the "master gland" of the endocrine
system?
, A) Thyroid
B) Pituitary
C) Pineal
D) Adrenal
Correct Answer: B) Pituitary
Explanation: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland"
because it controls many other endocrine glands through the
secretion of tropic hormones . The anterior pituitary secretes TSH,
ACTH, FSH, and LH, which regulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and
gonads . The hypothalamus ultimately controls the pituitary, so it is
sometimes considered the true "master" .
Question 6
The pituitary gland is located in which bone structure?
A) Optic canal
B) Foramen magnum
C) Sella turcica
D) Cribriform plate
Correct Answer: C) Sella turcica
Explanation: The pituitary gland rests in the sella turcica of the
sphenoid bone . The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression that
protects the pituitary gland . The optic canal transmits the optic
Portage learning
Module 9: The Endocrine System
Complete Exam Review Questions with Verified Answers |
LockDown Browser (GUARANTEED PASS)
Question 1
Which of the following best defines an endocrine gland?
A) A gland that secretes products into ducts
B) A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream
C) A gland that releases enzymes for digestion
D) A gland that only secretes steroids
Correct Answer: B) A ductless gland that secretes hormones
directly into the bloodstream
Explanation: Endocrine glands are ductless and release hormones
directly into the interstitial fluid, which then enters the
bloodstream . Exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto epithelial
surfaces . The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are examples of
endocrine glands, while sweat and salivary glands are exocrine .
,Question 2
Which term describes a chemical messenger transported by the blood to
distant target cells?
A) Neurotransmitter
B) Cytokine
C) Hormone
D) Enzyme
Correct Answer: C) Hormone
Explanation: Hormones are chemical messengers that travel via the
bloodstream to exert effects on distant target cells .
Neurotransmitters act locally at synapses. Cytokines are signaling
molecules of the immune system. Enzymes are catalysts that speed
up chemical reactions . Hormones regulate metabolism, growth,
reproduction, and homeostasis .
Question 3
Exocrine glands differ from endocrine glands because exocrine glands:
A) Release hormones into the blood
B) Have no ducts
C) Use ducts to secrete products onto epithelial surfaces
D) Only secrete steroids
Correct Answer: C) Use ducts to secrete products onto epithelial
surfaces
,Explanation: Exocrine glands secrete through ducts onto epithelial
surfaces, while endocrine glands are ductless and secrete
hormones directly into the bloodstream . Sweat glands, salivary
glands, and sebaceous glands are exocrine . Endocrine glands
include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and pancreas (endocrine
portion) .
Question 4
Which of the following is an example of an exocrine gland?
A) Pituitary gland
B) Sweat gland
C) Thyroid gland
D) Adrenal gland
Correct Answer: B) Sweat gland
Explanation: Sweat glands are exocrine glands that secrete through
ducts onto the skin surface . The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal
glands are endocrine glands that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream . Exocrine glands also include salivary, sebaceous, and
digestive glands .
Question 5
Which gland is often referred to as the "master gland" of the endocrine
system?
, A) Thyroid
B) Pituitary
C) Pineal
D) Adrenal
Correct Answer: B) Pituitary
Explanation: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland"
because it controls many other endocrine glands through the
secretion of tropic hormones . The anterior pituitary secretes TSH,
ACTH, FSH, and LH, which regulate the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and
gonads . The hypothalamus ultimately controls the pituitary, so it is
sometimes considered the true "master" .
Question 6
The pituitary gland is located in which bone structure?
A) Optic canal
B) Foramen magnum
C) Sella turcica
D) Cribriform plate
Correct Answer: C) Sella turcica
Explanation: The pituitary gland rests in the sella turcica of the
sphenoid bone . The sella turcica is a saddle-shaped depression that
protects the pituitary gland . The optic canal transmits the optic
