Human Anatomy - Problem Drill 15: The Endocrine System
Question No. 1 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
1. The endocrine system is made up of a number of organs and glands. Which one
of the following is not an organ or gland of the endocrine system?
Question #01
(A) Thymus gland.
(B) Pancreas.
(C) Thyroid gland.
(D) Suprarenal gland.
(E) Stomach.
A. Incorrect!
The thymus gland is involved in the development of T-Cells.
B. Incorrect!
The pancreas regulates blood sugar through the actions of the hormones, insulin
and glucagon.
C. Incorrect!
The thyroid gland secretes T4 and T3, which are involved in metabolism.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
On the top of each kidney is a suprarenal gland. These glands secrete epinephrine
and norepinephrine.
E. Correct!
The stomach is not part of the endocrine system.
Solution
The endocrine system allows the various organ systems within the body to
communicate with each other and to coordinate their activities. This is
accomplished by means of endocrine organs, or glands, that secrete hormones.
The overall effect of the endocrine system is to contribute to homeostasis, the
maintenance of a stable internal environment.
(E)Stomach.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 2 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
2. There are four different categories of hormones used as part of the endocrine
system, and these different hormones perform a variety of functions in the body.
Which of the following statements about the hormone depicted below is correct?
Question #02
(A) Luteinizing hormone is an example of an eicosanoid.
(B) Luteinizing hormone is synthesized from amino acids.
(C) Luteinizing hormone is an example of steroid hormone.
(D) This hormone functions by regulating body fluid composition.
(E) None of the answers are correct.
A. Incorrect!
Luteinizing hormone is an example of a hormone synthesized in the body from
amino acids.
B. Correct!
Luteinizing hormone is an example of a hormone synthesized from amino acids.
C. Incorrect!
Steroid hormones are derivatives of cholesterol, such as estrogen. Luteinizing
hormone is an example of a hormone synthesized in the body from amino acids.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
Luteinizing hormone stimulates the ovaries in women and the production of
testosterone in men.
E. Incorrect!
Answer B is correct.
Solution
Peptide hormones are hormones that are synthesized from amino acids. Like most
proteins, they are processed in the endoplasmic reticulum, including glycosylation.
Examples of peptide hormones include: (1) luteinizing hormone, which stimulates
ovulation in women and testosterone production in males, and (2) antidiuretic
hormone, which has the very important function of regulating the body’s fluid
retention.
(B)Luteinizing hormone is synthesized from amino acids.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 3 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
3. Eicosanoids are a group of hormones that are part of the endocrine system. This
class of hormones has tremendous effects on the vascular system. Which of the
following statements about eicosanoids is correct?
Question #03
(A) Eicosanoids are derived via the oxidation of fatty acids.
(B) FSH is an example of an eicosanoid.
(C) Arachidonic acid can be converted into prostaglandins, prostacyclins and
steroid hormones.
(D) The primary enzyme involved in the formation of eicosanoids is PKA.
(E) The class of drugs, known as COX inhibitors, blocks the action of the PKA
enzyme.
A. Correct!
Eicosanoids are derived via the oxidation of fatty acids.
B. Incorrect!
FSH or follicle-stimulating hormone is a glycoprotein.
C. Incorrect!
Arachidonic acid can be converted into prostaglandins and prostacyclins, but not
steroid hormones.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
Cyclooxygenase is the primary enzyme for the production of eicosanoids.
E. Incorrect!
COX inhibitors are drugs used to inhibit the action of the cyclooxygenase enzyme.
Eicosanoids are derived via the oxidation of fatty acids. Arachidonic acid can be
converted into: (1) prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation; (2)
prostacyclins, which prevent the formation of the platelet plug; and (3)
thromboxanes, which are vasoconstrictors. The formation of these eicosanoids is
facilitated by the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is the target of COX inhibitors,
such as Aspirin. Eicosanoids are derived via the oxidation of fatty acids. The
arachidonic acid enzyme, cyclooxygenase, is the target of COX inhibitors, such as
Aspirin. Overall, eicosanoids affect enzyme processes in the extracellular fluid.
(A)Eicosanoids are derived via the oxidation of fatty acids.
Solution
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 4 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
4. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland make up the hypothalamus-pituitary
system in endocrine physiology. Which of the following statements about the
hypothalamus-pituitary system is correct?
Question #04
(A) Hormones and factors from the hypothalamus drive the production and
secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
(B) Epinephrine is an example of a hormone secreted by the hypothalamuspituitary system.
(C) The infundibulum separates the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland into
two distinct, separate regions.
(D) The hypothalamus only regulates the function of the pituitary gland.
(E) All of the hormones and factors produced in the hypothalamus lead to the
release of pituitary hormones.
A. Correct!
Hormones and factors from the hypothalamus drive the production and secretion of
hormones from the pituitary gland.
B. Incorrect!
Examples of hormones and factors produced by the hypothalamus include: (1)
growth hormone–releasing hormone and prolactin-inhibiting factor.
C. Incorrect!
The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are connected through the infundibulum.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
In addition to regulating the function of the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus also
contributes to the regulation of the endocrine cells in the suprarenal medulla.
E. Incorrect!
Prolactin-inhibiting factor is an example of a product of the hypothalamus that has
an inhibitory action on the release of pituitary hormones.
The Hypothalamus-Pituitary system is the master control center of endocrine
physiology. Hormones and signals from the hypothalamus drive pituitary hormone
secretion. The hypothalamus receives nerve inputs from higher brain centers and
then, in turn, exerts effects on the pituitary gland. Examples of hormones and
factors produced by the hypothalamus include: (1) growth hormone–releasing
hormone - this targets the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland and
(2) prolactin-inhibiting factor - this factor inhibits the release of pituitary prolactin.
Within the hypothalamus are autonomic centers that control the endocrine cells of
the suprarenal medulla.
Solution
(A)
Hormones and factors from the hypothalamus drive the production
and secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 5 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
5. A 37-year-old woman is diagnosed with a tumor that is located in the posterior
lobe of her pituitary gland. Based on this information, which of the following
statements is correct?
Question #05
(A) The levels of growth hormone would be decreased in this patient, as it is
normally produced in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
(B) The levels of LH and FSH would not be expected to be decreased in this
patient.
(C) The production and release of prolactin would be abnormal in this patient, as
it is produced by the posterior lobe.
(D) The four hormones produced by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland
would be decreased in this patient.
(E) The posterior lobe of the pituitary produces a total of 3 hormones.
A. Incorrect!
The levels of growth hormone in this patient would be expected to be normal, as it is
not produced in the posterior lobe.
B. Correct!
The levels of LH and FSH would not be expected to be decreased in this patient, as
these hormones are produced in the anterior lobe.
C. Incorrect!
Prolactin is produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary; therefore, its secretion
would not be altered in this patient.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces a total of 2 hormones: Antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.
E. Incorrect!
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland produces a total of 2 hormones: Antidiuretic
hormone (ADH) and Oxytocin.
Solution
The posterior pituitary lobe, or neurohypophysis, receives stimulation through
projections from the hypothalamus and through the local blood supply. There are 2
hormones produced in this region: (1) Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – this hormone is
stored in secretory vesicles awaiting release. Its primary role is to regulate body
water composition. ADH reduces water clearance in the kidneys; and (2) Oxytocin –
is released during labor in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. During labor, the
hypothalamus stimulates the release of oxytocin from this region of the pituitary,
and this hormone increases contractions in the uterus.
(B)The levels of LH and FSH would not be expected to be decreased in
this patient.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 6 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
6. Which portion of the endocrine system in the human body is depicted in the
image below?
Question #06
(A) Thymus gland.
(B) Thyroid gland.
(C) Hypothalamus.
(D) Pineal gland.
(E) None of the answers are correct.
A. Incorrect!
The thymus gland is located in the center of the chest.
B. Correct!
The image depicts the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck on the anterior
surface of the larynx.
C. Incorrect!
The hypothalamus is located in the diencephalon region of the brain.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
The pineal gland is located in the brain near the top of the brainstem.
E. Incorrect!
Answer B is correct.
Solution
The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the body, and it is located in the
neck on the anterior surface of the larynx. The thyroid’s activity is controlled by the
pituitary secretion of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. It controls body metabolism and
protein production. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine
(T3). The element, iodine, is critical to the production of thyroxine. Iodine is the first
key step in the biosynthesis of this hormone. This is the reason iodine was added to
salt in North America, to prevent a condition called Goiter (which is caused by iodine
deficiency).
(B)Thyroid gland.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 7 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
7. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism, and it receives signals from the
pituitary gland for the secretion of its hormones. Which of the following statements
about the thyroid gland is correct?
Question #07
(A) The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), and
parathyroid hormone.
(B) The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and
Triiodothyronine (T3).
(C) The medical condition, known as goiter, is caused by an excess of iodine.
(D) Thyroglobulin is the special transport protein for thyroid hormones in the
circulation.
(E) Once inside cells, the thyroid hormone, T4, is converted into parathyroid
hormone.
A. Incorrect!
The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and
Triiodothyronine (T3).
B. Correct!
The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and
Triiodothyronine (T3).
C. Incorrect!
Goiter is a condition caused by iodine deficiency; it is very rare in North America
with iodine fortification.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
Thyroglobulin is the storage site for iodine in the thyroid tissue.
E. Incorrect!
Once inside cells, the thyroid hormone, T4, is converted into T3.
Solution
The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the body, and it is located in the
neck on the anterior surface of the larynx. The thyroid’s activity is controlled by the
pituitary secretion of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. It controls body metabolism and
protein production. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine
(T3). The element, iodine, is critical to the production of thyroxine. Iodine is the first
key step in the biosynthesis of this hormone. This is the reason iodine was added to
salt in North America, to prevent a condition called Goiter (which is caused by iodine
deficiency). Iodine enters the thyroid tissue and is sequestered inside cells as part of
thyroglobulin. It is stored in the colloid within the thyroid gland. Upon thyroid
stimulation, T3 and T4 are produced and released into the bloodstream. Upon
entering cells, T4 is converted to T3. T3 increases cardiac output and metabolism
throughout the body.
(B)The two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4)
and Triiodothyronine (T3).
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 8 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
8. Which of the following statements about the portion of the endocrine system
identified in the image below is correct?
Question #08
(A) The thyroid gland is identified in the image.
(B) Parathyroid hormone is produced by the glands identified in the image.
(C) Parathyroid hormone, produced by these glands, is involved in regulating the
level of potassium in the blood.
(D) These glands are typically located on the anterior and posterior surfaces of
the thyroid gland.
(E) The hormone produced by these glands is secreted more abundantly when
blood calcium levels increase.
A. Incorrect!
The parathyroid glands are identified in the image.
B. Correct!
The image identifies the parathyroid glands, which produce parathyroid hormone.
C. Incorrect!
Parathyroid hormone functions in the regulation of blood calcium levels.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
The parathyroid glands are typically located on the posterior surface of the thyroid
gland.
E. Incorrect!
The release of parathyroid hormone decreases as blood calcium levels increase.
Solution
On the posterior surface of the thyroid gland, there are 4 or more small glands,
known as the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands produce Parathyroid
Hormone (PTH). PTH is involved in calcium homeostasis. Parathyroid Hormone
causes the release of calcium into the bloodstream by stimulating bone osteoclast
activity. The release of PTH is regulated by calcium levels in the blood. As the blood
calcium concentration increases, the release of PTH decreases. As blood calcium
levels decrease to a certain concentration, in part due to deposition in bone, the PTH
levels increase.
(B)Parathyroid hormone, produced by these glands, is involved in
regulating the level of potassium in the blood.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 9 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
9. The suprarenal glands are located on the top of each kidney and they receive
their own blood supply and innervation. Which of the following statements about the
suprarenal glands is correct?
Question #09
(A) Both the medulla and cortex of the suprarenal gland are innervated by the
sympathetic nervous system.
(B) The cortex of the suprarenal gland produces epinephrine and norepinephrine.
(C) The suprarenal cortex produces epinephrine, glucocorticoids and
mineralcorticoids.
(D) The release of epinephrine from the suprarenal gland is regulated by the
hormone, ACTH, from the thyroid gland.
(E) None of the answers are correct.
A. Correct!
The facial nerve, vagus nerve, and the glossopharyngeal nerve normally transmit
gustatory nerve impulses.
B. Incorrect!
The hormones of the suprarenal cortex are glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids and
precursors to sex steroids.
C. Incorrect!
The hormones of the suprarenal cortex are glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids and
precursors to sex steroids.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
ACTH from the pituitary gland regulates the release of cortisol from the suprarenal
cortex.
E. Incorrect!
One of the answers is correct.
Solution
The suprarenal (adrenal) glands are located on top of the kidneys; they receive their
own blood supply and are divided into 2 regions. The gland is divided into the
adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. Both of these regions receive nerve
impulses from the sympathetic nervous system. The suprarenal cortex is the
outermost layer of the adrenal gland, and it includes the following regions: zona
glomerulosa, which is the outermost region; zona fasciculata; and the zona
reticularis. The hormones of the cortex include: (A) Glucocorticoids (Cortisol) –
cortisol is involved in metabolic processes, such as lipolysis and gluconeogenesis,
(B) Mineralcorticoids (Aldosterone) – aldosterone is a hormone that stimulates the
kidneys to retain sodium and potassium, and (C) Precursors to sex steroids, which
are pro-hormones for estrogen and testosterone production. The suprarenal medulla
makes up the center of the adrenal gland. It produces the following hormones: (A)
Epinephrine – is a fight or flight hormone. When it is secreted, it prepares the body
for action by increasing heart rate and delivering more blood to skeletal muscles,
and (B) Norepinephrine – is both a hormone and neurotransmitter. As a hormone, it
acts synergistically with epinephrine and also increases blood pressure by
vasoconstriction.
(A)Both the medulla and cortex of the suprarenal gland are innervated
by the sympathetic nervous system.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved
Question No. 10 of 10
Instructions: (1) Read the problem statement and answer choices carefully, (2) Work the problems
on paper as needed, (3) Pick the answer, and (4) Review the core concept tutorial as needed.
10. The gonads produce the sex hormones that are involved in the development of
male and female characteristics. Which of the following statements about the gonads
is correct?
Question #10
(A) The hormone, GNRH, from the pituitary gland stimulates the ovaries to
produce estrogen and progesterone.
(B) Androgen is a generic term for hormones that are involved in the
development of female physical characteristics.
(C) The ovaries are stimulated to produce hormones, by human chorionic
gonadotropin produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
(D) The female hormone, progesterone, is produced by the granulosa cells of the
ovary.
(E) The corpus luteum produces estrogen in response to LH and FSH.
A. Incorrect!
GNRH is released by the hypothalamus and it stimulates the pituitary gland to
produce LH and FSH.
B. Incorrect!
Androgen is a generic term for hormones responsible for male physical
characteristics.
C. Correct!
Human chorionic gonadotropin, produced by the placenta during pregnancy, drives
ovary hormone production.
Feedback
D. Incorrect!
Progesterone is produced in the corpus luteum and its production is regulated by LH
and FSH.
E. Incorrect!
Estrogen is produced by the granulosa cells in the ovary.
Androgen is a generic term for hormones responsible for male physical
characteristics. Testosterone is the primary androgen that is produced from the
testes, under control of the pituitary gland. The ovaries in the female produce
estradiol (estrogen) and progesterone. These hormones function, along with LH and
FSH from the pituitary gland, to develop female characteristics and drive the
menstrual cycle. Estrogen is produced by the granulosa cells in the ovary, and its
levels in the blood have a negative feedback on the hypothalamus-pituitary system.
Progesterone is produced in the corpus luteum and its production is regulated by LH
and FSH.
Solution
(C)The ovaries are stimulated to produce hormones, by human chorionic
gonadotropin produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
RapidLearningCenter.com
 Rapid Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved