Endocrine System Test Questions with
Complete Answers
how is the release of most hormones maintained? - ANSWER-through negative
feedback: when appropriate level is reached, hormone release stops
what stimulates the endocrine glands? - ANSWER-other hormones, humoral levels
of a substance (calcium, glucose, etc.), nerve impulses
describe hormonal stimulation of endocrine glands: - ANSWER-endocrine glands are
activated by hormones from other glands when levels of the stimulated gland's
hormone rises enough, which inhibits the stimulating gland.
ex: hormone from anterior pituitary stimulates thyroid gland to produce thyroid
hormone; anterior pituitary is stimulated by hypothalamus hormones
describe humoral stimulation of endocrine glands: - ANSWER-the hormone release
is stimulated by changing blood levels of certain ions or nutrients
ex: changing levels of blood calcium stimulate production of parathyroid hormone
and calcitonin
describe neural stimulation of endocrine glands: - ANSWER-nerve impulses
stimulate hormone release
ex: release of epinephrine and norepinephrine by the adrenal medulla
what are the major endocrine organs? - ANSWER-1. hypothalamus (part of the
nervous system, but produces several hormones)
2. pituitary gland
3. thyroid gland
4. parathyroid glands
5. adrenal glands
6. pineal gland
7. thymus gland
8. pancreas
9. gonads (ovaries and testies)
if you have a tumor, what may happen to your hormones? - ANSWER-the tumor
might trigger an over-secretion of a certain hormone
ex: if you have a pituitary tumor, you are at risk of over secreting growth hormone
, what is the hypothalamus? - ANSWER-the hypothalamus is the link between the
nervous and endocrine systems;
most hormones act on the pituitary gland, and many pituitary hormones act on other
glands
which specific hormones act on the anterior pituitary? - ANSWER-thyrotropin:
releasing hormone (TRH)
gonadotropin: releasing hormone (GnRH)
corticotropin: releasing hormone (CRH)
growth hormone: releasing hormone (GHRH)
growth hormone: inhibiting hormone (GHIH)- aka somatostatin
dopamine: prolactin-inhibiting hormone and neurotransmitter
what two hormones are made in the hypothalamus, but are stored in and released
from the posterior pituitary? - ANSWER-1. oxytocin
2. antidiuretic hormone (ADH) aka vasopressin
where is the pituitary gland found? - ANSWER-the pituitary gland hangs by a stalk
from the hypothalamus
- about the size of a pea
what are the two functional lobes of the pituitary gland? - ANSWER-1. anterior
pituitary: glandular tissue
2. posterior pituitary: nervous tissue
what are the six anterior pituitary hormones? - ANSWER-growth hormone and
prolactin (affect the body directly)
tropic hormones, which stimulate other endocrine glands: thyroid-stimulating
hormone (thyrotropic hormone), adrenocorticotropic hormone, and the two
gonadotropic hormones
what is the purpose of the growth hormone? - ANSWER-the growth hormone plays a
role in determining final body size by affecting the growth of bones and muscles; also
acts a general metabolic hormone by promoting protein synthesis, fat breakdown,
and the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis
what are three growth hormone disorders? - ANSWER-pituitary dwarfism (resulting
from hypo secretion of GH during childhood; body proportions are normal, but
person does not exceed 4 ft. tall)
gigantism (results from hypersecretion of GH during childhood; reaching 8-9 feet in
height is common)
acromegaly (results from hyperecretion of GH during adulthood; long bones have
stopped growing, which causes enlargement of lower jaw, brow, ridges, feet, and
hands)
what is the function of prolactin (PRL) - ANSWER-prolactin is a hormone of the
anterior pituitary that stimulates and maintains milk production following childbirth