Week 1 & 2 Exam Review
BIOS 252 / BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Review Questions with Verified Answers | 100% Correct
Institution Chamberlain University
Course BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Exam Coverage Weeks 1 & 2: Endocrine, Blood, Cardiovascular System
Total Questions 75 Questions | 5 Sections
Curriculum Year Latest Update
Cognitive Level Distribution
Cognitive Level Percentage Question Style
Recall 30% Direct knowledge questions
Application 50% Scenario-based clinical application
Analysis 20% Data interpretation and integration
,Section 1: Endocrine System (Q1-Q25)
Q1: A patient presents with signs of hypothyroidism. Laboratory results reveal elevated TSH and low
T3/T4 levels. Which of the following best explains the elevated TSH?
A. The anterior pituitary is producing excess TSH independently of feedback mechanisms
B. Decreased T3/T4 levels reduce negative feedback on the anterior pituitary, resulting in
increased TSH secretion **[CORRECT]**
C. The posterior pituitary is overproducing TSH in response to low thyroid hormone levels
D. The hypothalamus is secreting excess TRH due to primary pituitary dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TSH is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary, not the posterior pituitary. Under normal
conditions, T3 and T4 exert negative feedback on both the hypothalamus (reducing TRH) and the anterior pituitary
(reducing TSH). When T3/T4 levels are low, this negative feedback is diminished, causing the anterior pituitary to
secrete more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland. This pattern of elevated TSH with low T3/T4 is
characteristic of primary hypothyroidism, a key concept in the Chamberlain BIOS 252 endocrine module.
Q2: Which type of cell-to-cell signaling describes a hormone that acts on the same cell that released it?
A. Paracrine signaling
B. Endocrine signaling
C. Autocrine signaling **[CORRECT]**
D. Exocrine signaling
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell releases a signaling molecule that binds to receptors on the same
cell, regulating its own activity. Paracrine signaling involves signaling molecules affecting nearby cells without
entering the bloodstream, such as neurotransmitters at synapses or local inflammatory mediators like histamine.
Endocrine signaling involves hormones secreted into the bloodstream to act on distant target cells. Exocrine signaling
refers to secretion through ducts to body surfaces or cavities, such as sweat or digestive enzymes.
Q3: A nursing student is asked to identify the correct mechanism of action for steroid hormones. Which of
the following best describes how lipid-soluble hormones exert their effects?
A. They bind to cell-surface receptors and activate G-proteins to produce cAMP as a second messenger
B. They diffuse across the plasma membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, directly altering
gene transcription **[CORRECT]**
C. They bind to receptor tyrosine kinases on the cell surface and initiate a phosphorylation cascade
D. They activate phospholipase C to generate IP3 and DAG as second messengers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Steroid hormones (such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and thyroid hormones are
lipid-soluble and can diffuse directly across the plasma membrane. Once inside the cell, they bind to intracellular
receptors (either in the cytoplasm or nucleus), and the hormone-receptor complex then acts as a transcription factor
that binds to DNA to alter gene expression. Water-soluble hormones (such as peptide hormones and
catecholamines) cannot cross the plasma membrane and instead bind to cell-surface receptors, activating second
messenger systems like cAMP, IP3/DAG, or Ca2+ pathways.
Q4: A patient with Graves disease presents with tachycardia, weight loss, heat intolerance, and
exophthalmos. Which hormone is most likely elevated in this patient?
A. Cortisol
B. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) **[CORRECT]**
BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II - Week 1 & 2 Exam Review | Page 2
, C. ACTH
D. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this
condition, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimic TSH by binding to TSH receptors on the thyroid gland,
causing excessive production of T3 and T4. This leads to symptoms such as tachycardia, weight loss, heat
intolerance, and exophthalmos (bulging eyes due to glycosaminoglycan deposition in the retro-orbital tissues).
Cortisol elevation would suggest Cushing syndrome, while elevated ACTH indicates a pituitary or ectopic source.
PTH elevation would cause hypercalcemia, not the thyrotoxic symptoms seen here.
Q5: A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is unable to produce insulin. Which pancreatic cells are
responsible for insulin secretion?
A. Alpha cells
B. Beta cells **[CORRECT]**
C. Delta cells
D. F cells (PP cells)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting insulin,
which lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and stimulating glycogen synthesis. Alpha
cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Delta
cells produce somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both growth hormone and insulin. F cells (pancreatic
polypeptide cells) regulate pancreatic exocrine secretions and gastrointestinal motility.
Q6: Which of the following hormones is synthesized in the hypothalamus but stored and released from the
posterior pituitary?
A. TSH and ACTH
B. GH and prolactin
C. Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) **[CORRECT]**
D. FSH and LH
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxytocin and ADH (vasopressin) are produced by neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus (specifically
in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei). These hormones travel down the axons of the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract and are stored in nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary for release into the
bloodstream. In contrast, TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin, FSH, and LH are all produced by the anterior pituitary and are
regulated by hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones delivered through the hypophyseal portal system.
Q7: A patient is diagnosed with Addison disease. Which of the following laboratory findings would be
expected?
A. Elevated cortisol and elevated aldosterone
B. Decreased cortisol and decreased aldosterone **[CORRECT]**
C. Elevated cortisol and decreased aldosterone
D. Decreased cortisol and elevated aldosterone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Addison disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) results from the destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal
cortex, leading to deficient production of all three classes of cortical hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol),
mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens. Decreased cortisol causes fatigue, hypoglycemia, and weight loss,
while decreased aldosterone leads to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypotension due to impaired sodium
reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. Cushing syndrome, in contrast, involves excess cortisol
BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II - Week 1 & 2 Exam Review | Page 3
BIOS 252 / BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Review Questions with Verified Answers | 100% Correct
Institution Chamberlain University
Course BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Exam Coverage Weeks 1 & 2: Endocrine, Blood, Cardiovascular System
Total Questions 75 Questions | 5 Sections
Curriculum Year Latest Update
Cognitive Level Distribution
Cognitive Level Percentage Question Style
Recall 30% Direct knowledge questions
Application 50% Scenario-based clinical application
Analysis 20% Data interpretation and integration
,Section 1: Endocrine System (Q1-Q25)
Q1: A patient presents with signs of hypothyroidism. Laboratory results reveal elevated TSH and low
T3/T4 levels. Which of the following best explains the elevated TSH?
A. The anterior pituitary is producing excess TSH independently of feedback mechanisms
B. Decreased T3/T4 levels reduce negative feedback on the anterior pituitary, resulting in
increased TSH secretion **[CORRECT]**
C. The posterior pituitary is overproducing TSH in response to low thyroid hormone levels
D. The hypothalamus is secreting excess TRH due to primary pituitary dysfunction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TSH is a tropic hormone produced by the anterior pituitary, not the posterior pituitary. Under normal
conditions, T3 and T4 exert negative feedback on both the hypothalamus (reducing TRH) and the anterior pituitary
(reducing TSH). When T3/T4 levels are low, this negative feedback is diminished, causing the anterior pituitary to
secrete more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid gland. This pattern of elevated TSH with low T3/T4 is
characteristic of primary hypothyroidism, a key concept in the Chamberlain BIOS 252 endocrine module.
Q2: Which type of cell-to-cell signaling describes a hormone that acts on the same cell that released it?
A. Paracrine signaling
B. Endocrine signaling
C. Autocrine signaling **[CORRECT]**
D. Exocrine signaling
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell releases a signaling molecule that binds to receptors on the same
cell, regulating its own activity. Paracrine signaling involves signaling molecules affecting nearby cells without
entering the bloodstream, such as neurotransmitters at synapses or local inflammatory mediators like histamine.
Endocrine signaling involves hormones secreted into the bloodstream to act on distant target cells. Exocrine signaling
refers to secretion through ducts to body surfaces or cavities, such as sweat or digestive enzymes.
Q3: A nursing student is asked to identify the correct mechanism of action for steroid hormones. Which of
the following best describes how lipid-soluble hormones exert their effects?
A. They bind to cell-surface receptors and activate G-proteins to produce cAMP as a second messenger
B. They diffuse across the plasma membrane and bind to intracellular receptors, directly altering
gene transcription **[CORRECT]**
C. They bind to receptor tyrosine kinases on the cell surface and initiate a phosphorylation cascade
D. They activate phospholipase C to generate IP3 and DAG as second messengers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Steroid hormones (such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and thyroid hormones are
lipid-soluble and can diffuse directly across the plasma membrane. Once inside the cell, they bind to intracellular
receptors (either in the cytoplasm or nucleus), and the hormone-receptor complex then acts as a transcription factor
that binds to DNA to alter gene expression. Water-soluble hormones (such as peptide hormones and
catecholamines) cannot cross the plasma membrane and instead bind to cell-surface receptors, activating second
messenger systems like cAMP, IP3/DAG, or Ca2+ pathways.
Q4: A patient with Graves disease presents with tachycardia, weight loss, heat intolerance, and
exophthalmos. Which hormone is most likely elevated in this patient?
A. Cortisol
B. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) **[CORRECT]**
BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II - Week 1 & 2 Exam Review | Page 2
, C. ACTH
D. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. In this
condition, thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mimic TSH by binding to TSH receptors on the thyroid gland,
causing excessive production of T3 and T4. This leads to symptoms such as tachycardia, weight loss, heat
intolerance, and exophthalmos (bulging eyes due to glycosaminoglycan deposition in the retro-orbital tissues).
Cortisol elevation would suggest Cushing syndrome, while elevated ACTH indicates a pituitary or ectopic source.
PTH elevation would cause hypercalcemia, not the thyrotoxic symptoms seen here.
Q5: A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is unable to produce insulin. Which pancreatic cells are
responsible for insulin secretion?
A. Alpha cells
B. Beta cells **[CORRECT]**
C. Delta cells
D. F cells (PP cells)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing and secreting insulin,
which lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and stimulating glycogen synthesis. Alpha
cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Delta
cells produce somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both growth hormone and insulin. F cells (pancreatic
polypeptide cells) regulate pancreatic exocrine secretions and gastrointestinal motility.
Q6: Which of the following hormones is synthesized in the hypothalamus but stored and released from the
posterior pituitary?
A. TSH and ACTH
B. GH and prolactin
C. Oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) **[CORRECT]**
D. FSH and LH
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxytocin and ADH (vasopressin) are produced by neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus (specifically
in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei). These hormones travel down the axons of the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract and are stored in nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary for release into the
bloodstream. In contrast, TSH, ACTH, GH, prolactin, FSH, and LH are all produced by the anterior pituitary and are
regulated by hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones delivered through the hypophyseal portal system.
Q7: A patient is diagnosed with Addison disease. Which of the following laboratory findings would be
expected?
A. Elevated cortisol and elevated aldosterone
B. Decreased cortisol and decreased aldosterone **[CORRECT]**
C. Elevated cortisol and decreased aldosterone
D. Decreased cortisol and elevated aldosterone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Addison disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) results from the destruction or dysfunction of the adrenal
cortex, leading to deficient production of all three classes of cortical hormones: glucocorticoids (cortisol),
mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), and androgens. Decreased cortisol causes fatigue, hypoglycemia, and weight loss,
while decreased aldosterone leads to hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypotension due to impaired sodium
reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. Cushing syndrome, in contrast, involves excess cortisol
BIOS 252 Anatomy & Physiology II - Week 1 & 2 Exam Review | Page 3
