CHAM BE RLAIN
U NIVE RS ITY
L A B PRAC T IC UM EXA M INAT ION
BIOS 252: Anatomy and Physiology II
with Lab | Review Questions with
Verified Answers
Course: BIOS 252 (Latest Update 2026 /
2027)
Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice
Format: 4 Options (A-D), One Correct
Answer
Sections: 10 Systems / Integrated
Scenarios
Verification: 100% Correct | A+ Graded
Rationales
Acad emic Year 2 02 6 - 2 02 7
, BIOS 252: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Lab Practicum Examination | 100 Review Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Endocrine System Lab Identification and Function
Q1: A student in the BIOS 252 lab is examining a model of the pituitary gland. The instructor asks which
part of the pituitary is responsible for storing and releasing antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.
Which structure should the student identify?
A student in the BIOS 252 lab is examining a model of the pituitary gland. The instructor
asks which part of the pituitary is responsible for storing and releasing antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Which structure should the student identify?
A. A. Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
B. B. Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) [CORRECT]
C. C. Pars intermedia
D. D. Infundibulum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) stores and releases ADH and oxytocin, which are
produced by neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus and transported via the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract. The anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) synthesizes and
secretes its own hormones including GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin. The pars
intermedia is a small boundary zone that produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone in some
species. The infundibulum is the stalk connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Q2: During a laboratory exercise on thyroid gland histology, a student observes follicles lined with
follicular cells and identifies parafollicular (C) cells between the follicles. Which hormone is produced by
these parafollicular cells?
During a laboratory exercise on thyroid gland histology, a student observes follicles lined
with follicular cells and identifies parafollicular (C) cells between the follicles. Which
hormone is produced by these parafollicular cells?
A. A. Triiodothyronine (T3)
B. B. Thyroxine (T4)
C. C. Calcitonin [CORRECT]
D. D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Parafollicular cells (C cells) produce calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels by
inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting calcium deposition in bone. T3 and T4 are produced
by the follicular cells, not the parafollicular cells. TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland
and stimulates the thyroid follicular cells to produce T3 and T4, but it is not produced within the
thyroid gland itself. This distinction is essential for BIOS 252 lab identification competency.
Q3: A BIOS 252 lab group is studying the adrenal gland on an anatomical model. The instructor asks
which zone of the adrenal cortex primarily produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol. Which zone is the
correct answer?
A BIOS 252 lab group is studying the adrenal gland on an anatomical model. The
instructor asks which zone of the adrenal cortex primarily produces glucocorticoids such
as cortisol. Which zone is the correct answer?
A. A. Zona glomerulosa
B. B. Zona fasciculata [CORRECT]
, C. C. Zona reticularis
D. D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The zona fasciculata is the middle and largest zone of the adrenal cortex and is responsible for
producing glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response,
and stress adaptation per the 2026-2027 Chamberlain curriculum. The zona glomerulosa
produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) that regulate sodium and potassium balance. The zona
reticularis produces androgens (DHEA). The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines
(epinephrine and norepinephrine) and is not part of the cortex.
Q4: In a histology lab examining pancreatic tissue, a student identifies clusters of endocrine cells
surrounded by exocrine acinar tissue. Which cell type within these islets is responsible for producing
insulin?
In a histology lab examining pancreatic tissue, a student identifies clusters of endocrine
cells surrounded by exocrine acinar tissue. Which cell type within these islets is
responsible for producing insulin?
A. A. Alpha cells
B. B. Beta cells [CORRECT]
C. C. Delta cells
D. D. F cells (PP cells)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Beta cells of the pancreatic islets (Islets of Langerhans) produce insulin, which lowers blood
glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. Alpha cells produce
glucagon, which raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis,
producing the opposite effect. Delta cells produce somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both
insulin and glucagon. F cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, which regulates exocrine
pancreatic secretion. This hormonal interplay is a key lab concept at Chamberlain.
Q5: A lab practical asks students to identify the gland located in the epithalamus that produces
melatonin. Which gland should they point to on the brain model?
A lab practical asks students to identify the gland located in the epithalamus that
produces melatonin. Which gland should they point to on the brain model?
A. A. Pituitary gland
B. B. Thyroid gland
C. C. Pineal gland [CORRECT]
D. D. Thymus gland
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the posterior commissure of the brain, and
produces melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. The pituitary
gland is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone, not the epithalamus. The thyroid gland
is located in the anterior neck below the larynx and produces T3, T4, and calcitonin. The thymus
is located in the mediastinum and produces thymosin for T-cell maturation. Correct identification
of the pineal gland on brain models is a required BIOS 252 lab competency.
Q6: A student is asked to identify the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4 from the
thyroid gland during an endocrine lab practicum. Which hormone is the correct answer?
A student is asked to identify the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4
from the thyroid gland during an endocrine lab practicum. Which hormone is the correct
answer?
, A. A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) [CORRECT]
B. B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
C. C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. D. Growth hormone (GH)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
TSH from the anterior pituitary stimulates the thyroid follicular cells to synthesize and release T3
(triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). This is a classic hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
interaction tested in the BIOS 252 lab. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol,
not thyroid hormones. FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development and spermatogenesis in the
testes. GH stimulates overall growth and metabolic processes in bone and muscle tissue but does
not target the thyroid gland.
Q7: During a clinical lab simulation, a nursing student learns that a patient with elevated cortisol levels
may exhibit which of the following clinical signs associated with Cushing syndrome?
During a clinical lab simulation, a nursing student learns that a patient with elevated
cortisol levels may exhibit which of the following clinical signs associated with Cushing
syndrome?
A. A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. B. Moon face, central obesity, and buffalo hump [CORRECT]
C. C. Hypoglycemia and weight loss
D. D. Bronze skin pigmentation and low blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Cushing syndrome results from prolonged excess cortisol (hypercortisolism) and is characterized
by moon face, central obesity, buffalo hump, thin skin, easy bruising, hypertension, and
hyperglycemia. Weight loss and hypotension are more consistent with Addison disease (adrenal
insufficiency), not Cushing syndrome. Hypoglycemia occurs with insulin excess, not cortisol
excess, because cortisol actually raises blood glucose. Bronze skin pigmentation
(hyperpigmentation) with low blood pressure is characteristic of Addison disease due to elevated
ACTH stimulating melanocytes.
Q8: In the endocrine lab, students are reviewing a case of a patient with secondary hypertension and
hypokalemia. Lab results reveal elevated aldosterone levels. Which zone of the adrenal cortex is
hyperactive in this patient?
In the endocrine lab, students are reviewing a case of a patient with secondary
hypertension and hypokalemia. Lab results reveal elevated aldosterone levels. Which zone
of the adrenal cortex is hyperactive in this patient?
A. A. Zona glomerulosa [CORRECT]
B. B. Zona fasciculata
C. C. Zona reticularis
D. D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which acts on the
kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. Excess aldosterone (as in Conn
syndrome/primary hyperaldosteronism) leads to hypertension (from sodium and water retention)
and hypokalemia (from excessive potassium loss). The zona fasciculata produces cortisol, and the
zona reticularis produces androgens. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines. This
zone-function relationship is a core identification skill in the BIOS 252 lab practicum.
Q9: A BIOS 252 student is examining a slide of the thymus gland under the microscope. The instructor
asks which hormone produced by this gland is essential for T-lymphocyte maturation. What is the correct
U NIVE RS ITY
L A B PRAC T IC UM EXA M INAT ION
BIOS 252: Anatomy and Physiology II
with Lab | Review Questions with
Verified Answers
Course: BIOS 252 (Latest Update 2026 /
2027)
Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice
Format: 4 Options (A-D), One Correct
Answer
Sections: 10 Systems / Integrated
Scenarios
Verification: 100% Correct | A+ Graded
Rationales
Acad emic Year 2 02 6 - 2 02 7
, BIOS 252: Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
Lab Practicum Examination | 100 Review Questions with Verified Answers
Section 1: Endocrine System Lab Identification and Function
Q1: A student in the BIOS 252 lab is examining a model of the pituitary gland. The instructor asks which
part of the pituitary is responsible for storing and releasing antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.
Which structure should the student identify?
A student in the BIOS 252 lab is examining a model of the pituitary gland. The instructor
asks which part of the pituitary is responsible for storing and releasing antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Which structure should the student identify?
A. A. Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
B. B. Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) [CORRECT]
C. C. Pars intermedia
D. D. Infundibulum
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) stores and releases ADH and oxytocin, which are
produced by neurosecretory cells in the hypothalamus and transported via the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract. The anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) synthesizes and
secretes its own hormones including GH, TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin. The pars
intermedia is a small boundary zone that produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone in some
species. The infundibulum is the stalk connecting the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland.
Q2: During a laboratory exercise on thyroid gland histology, a student observes follicles lined with
follicular cells and identifies parafollicular (C) cells between the follicles. Which hormone is produced by
these parafollicular cells?
During a laboratory exercise on thyroid gland histology, a student observes follicles lined
with follicular cells and identifies parafollicular (C) cells between the follicles. Which
hormone is produced by these parafollicular cells?
A. A. Triiodothyronine (T3)
B. B. Thyroxine (T4)
C. C. Calcitonin [CORRECT]
D. D. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Parafollicular cells (C cells) produce calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels by
inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting calcium deposition in bone. T3 and T4 are produced
by the follicular cells, not the parafollicular cells. TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland
and stimulates the thyroid follicular cells to produce T3 and T4, but it is not produced within the
thyroid gland itself. This distinction is essential for BIOS 252 lab identification competency.
Q3: A BIOS 252 lab group is studying the adrenal gland on an anatomical model. The instructor asks
which zone of the adrenal cortex primarily produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol. Which zone is the
correct answer?
A BIOS 252 lab group is studying the adrenal gland on an anatomical model. The
instructor asks which zone of the adrenal cortex primarily produces glucocorticoids such
as cortisol. Which zone is the correct answer?
A. A. Zona glomerulosa
B. B. Zona fasciculata [CORRECT]
, C. C. Zona reticularis
D. D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The zona fasciculata is the middle and largest zone of the adrenal cortex and is responsible for
producing glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response,
and stress adaptation per the 2026-2027 Chamberlain curriculum. The zona glomerulosa
produces mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) that regulate sodium and potassium balance. The zona
reticularis produces androgens (DHEA). The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines
(epinephrine and norepinephrine) and is not part of the cortex.
Q4: In a histology lab examining pancreatic tissue, a student identifies clusters of endocrine cells
surrounded by exocrine acinar tissue. Which cell type within these islets is responsible for producing
insulin?
In a histology lab examining pancreatic tissue, a student identifies clusters of endocrine
cells surrounded by exocrine acinar tissue. Which cell type within these islets is
responsible for producing insulin?
A. A. Alpha cells
B. B. Beta cells [CORRECT]
C. C. Delta cells
D. D. F cells (PP cells)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Beta cells of the pancreatic islets (Islets of Langerhans) produce insulin, which lowers blood
glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis. Alpha cells produce
glucagon, which raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis,
producing the opposite effect. Delta cells produce somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both
insulin and glucagon. F cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, which regulates exocrine
pancreatic secretion. This hormonal interplay is a key lab concept at Chamberlain.
Q5: A lab practical asks students to identify the gland located in the epithalamus that produces
melatonin. Which gland should they point to on the brain model?
A lab practical asks students to identify the gland located in the epithalamus that
produces melatonin. Which gland should they point to on the brain model?
A. A. Pituitary gland
B. B. Thyroid gland
C. C. Pineal gland [CORRECT]
D. D. Thymus gland
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The pineal gland is located in the epithalamus, near the posterior commissure of the brain, and
produces melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles. The pituitary
gland is located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone, not the epithalamus. The thyroid gland
is located in the anterior neck below the larynx and produces T3, T4, and calcitonin. The thymus
is located in the mediastinum and produces thymosin for T-cell maturation. Correct identification
of the pineal gland on brain models is a required BIOS 252 lab competency.
Q6: A student is asked to identify the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4 from the
thyroid gland during an endocrine lab practicum. Which hormone is the correct answer?
A student is asked to identify the hormone that stimulates the production of T3 and T4
from the thyroid gland during an endocrine lab practicum. Which hormone is the correct
answer?
, A. A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) [CORRECT]
B. B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
C. C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. D. Growth hormone (GH)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
TSH from the anterior pituitary stimulates the thyroid follicular cells to synthesize and release T3
(triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). This is a classic hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
interaction tested in the BIOS 252 lab. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol,
not thyroid hormones. FSH stimulates ovarian follicle development and spermatogenesis in the
testes. GH stimulates overall growth and metabolic processes in bone and muscle tissue but does
not target the thyroid gland.
Q7: During a clinical lab simulation, a nursing student learns that a patient with elevated cortisol levels
may exhibit which of the following clinical signs associated with Cushing syndrome?
During a clinical lab simulation, a nursing student learns that a patient with elevated
cortisol levels may exhibit which of the following clinical signs associated with Cushing
syndrome?
A. A. Weight loss and hypotension
B. B. Moon face, central obesity, and buffalo hump [CORRECT]
C. C. Hypoglycemia and weight loss
D. D. Bronze skin pigmentation and low blood pressure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Cushing syndrome results from prolonged excess cortisol (hypercortisolism) and is characterized
by moon face, central obesity, buffalo hump, thin skin, easy bruising, hypertension, and
hyperglycemia. Weight loss and hypotension are more consistent with Addison disease (adrenal
insufficiency), not Cushing syndrome. Hypoglycemia occurs with insulin excess, not cortisol
excess, because cortisol actually raises blood glucose. Bronze skin pigmentation
(hyperpigmentation) with low blood pressure is characteristic of Addison disease due to elevated
ACTH stimulating melanocytes.
Q8: In the endocrine lab, students are reviewing a case of a patient with secondary hypertension and
hypokalemia. Lab results reveal elevated aldosterone levels. Which zone of the adrenal cortex is
hyperactive in this patient?
In the endocrine lab, students are reviewing a case of a patient with secondary
hypertension and hypokalemia. Lab results reveal elevated aldosterone levels. Which zone
of the adrenal cortex is hyperactive in this patient?
A. A. Zona glomerulosa [CORRECT]
B. B. Zona fasciculata
C. C. Zona reticularis
D. D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, which acts on the
kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. Excess aldosterone (as in Conn
syndrome/primary hyperaldosteronism) leads to hypertension (from sodium and water retention)
and hypokalemia (from excessive potassium loss). The zona fasciculata produces cortisol, and the
zona reticularis produces androgens. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines. This
zone-function relationship is a core identification skill in the BIOS 252 lab practicum.
Q9: A BIOS 252 student is examining a slide of the thymus gland under the microscope. The instructor
asks which hormone produced by this gland is essential for T-lymphocyte maturation. What is the correct
