Endocrine quiz answers

ON DECEMBER 17, 2010

Here are the answers and explanations to yesterdays endocrine quiz questions.
1. Which of the following is true of papillary thyroid carcinoma?
A. May have psammoma bodies
B. The least common kind of thyroid carcinoma
C. The type of thyroid carcinoma with the worst prognosis
D. Occurs in patients with MEN II
E. Most common in elderly patients
The answer is A (check out the cool photo of the psammoma body, above). Psammoma bodies are common in
papillary carcinoma (of all types, by the way, not just papillary carcinoma of the thyroid). If you can remember that
papillary carcinoma is often called the Little Orphan Annie tumor, then youll remember most of the important facts
about it. Papillary carcinoma is the most common kind of thyroid carcinoma (so B is wrong) and also the kind with
the best prognosis (so C is wrong). Patients with MEN II get medullary, not papillary, thyroid carcinoma (so D is
wrong). Papillary carcinoma is more common in young women (so E is wrong). Psammoma bodies are common in
papillary carcinoma, so A is correct.

2. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in underprivileged countries is:

A. Pituitary dysfunction
B. DeQuervains thyroiditis
C. Graves disease
D. Hashimotos thyroiditis
E. Iodine deficiency
The answer is E, iodine deficiency. To give you an idea of the devastating effects of the disease, here is a short story
about how hypothyroidism affected one childs life. Congenital hypothyroidism is the biggest cause of preventable
mental retardation in the world, and it is most prevalent in disadvantaged areas of the world. In most cases, it is
simply due to a lack of iodine in the diet. Unicef is working to eliminate iodine deficiency in all parts of the world. Iodine
is cheap; even a small donation will make a big difference in many childrens lives.

3. Which of the following hormones, in addition to participating in the initiation of labor, may play a
role in trust, monogamy, and the desire to cuddle?
A. Cortisol
B. Thyroid hormone
C. Parathormone
D. Oxytocin
E. Antidiuretic hormone
The answer is D, oxytocin. Oxytocin is one crazy hormone. Its been shown to be involved in everything from
snuggling to monogamy to trust. It can even help you do better on tests! If you feel your levels need a little boost, or if
you want more trust or cuddling (or monogamy?) in your life, you can actually buy oxytocin in spray form.

4. A patient with Cushing syndrome might present with any of the following EXCEPT:
A. Obesity
B. A buffalo hump
C. Moon facies
D. Bronze or hyperpigmented skin
E. Glucose intolerance
All the answers except D are commonly seen in Cushing syndrome. Bronze or hyperpigmented skin is a finding seen
in Addison Disease. It occurs because the pituitary is cranking out ACTH like crazy in an effort to get the adrenals to
make their hormones. ACTH comes from a bigger precursor called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) which also gives

rise to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). If youre making more ACTH, youre also by necessity making more
MSH and your skin will turn bronze.

5. Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of all of the following EXCEPT:
A. Cataracts
B. Infections
C. Increased atherosclerosis
D. Peripheral neuropathy
E. Pancreatic carcinoma
The big things with diabetes are infections, vascular problems, eye problems, and nerve problems. Pancreatic
carcinoma doesnt show any significant increased incidence in patients with diabetes.

6. Which of the following is true regarding multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) I syndrome?
A. Virtually all patients develop medullary thyroid carcinoma
B. The genetic abnormality involves the RET gene
C. The genetic abnormality involves a proto-oncogene
D. Many patients develop parathyroid hyperplasia
E. Some patients may have a Marfanoid habitus
MEN I syndrome is characterized by the three Ps (pituitary adenoma, parathyroid hyperplasia, pancreatic
carcinoma)sohe correct answer is D. Patients with MEN II (not MEN I) get medullary thyroid carcinoma, so A is
wrong. The genetic abnormality in MEN II (not MEN I) involves the RET gene, so B is wrong. The bad gene in MEN I
is a tumor suppressor gene, not a proto-oncogene, so C is wrong. There is no increased incidence of a Marfanoid
habitus in MEN I (there is in some cases of MEN II though).

7. Which of the following is true regarding pheochromocytoma?

A. It can cause hypertension
B. It is usually an aggressive, malignant tumor
C. It only occurs in the adrenal gland
D. It is derived from neural crest cells
E. Many tumors have a 1p deletion

A is correct; pheochromocytomas can definitely present with hypertension. All that catecholamine release makes your
blood pressure go up. Only about 10% of cases are malignant, so B is wrong. 10% of cases are extra-adrenal, so C is
wrong. It is derived from the catecholamine-producing cells of the medulla (which are neural-crest derived)- so D is
correct too! Chromosome 1 is not messed up in pheochromocytoma, so E is wrong. Some patients with neuroblastoma
do have a deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1. By the way, the short arm was named p for petit. Cool, huh?
Also, I always remember that q stands for the long arm because the letter q has a longer tail than the letter p.

8. Which of the following is true regarding Addisons disease?

A. It is characterized by an overproduction of catecholamines
B. Most cases are due to infection
C. It is also called primary chronic adrenal insufficiency
D. The onset is sudden
E. Patients are often hypertensive
Addisons disease is also called primary chronic adrenal insufficiency (so C is correct). Its primary because the
problem is localized to the adrenal itself (usually its an autoimmune thing, not an infectioius thing, so B is wrong),
and its chronic (slowly progressive) as opposed to acute (like Waterhouse-Friderichson Syndrome).
It is not characterized by an overproduction of catecholamines (so A is wrong), but by an underproduction of
everything the adrenal cortex makes: mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids. You dont notice the sex
steroid underproduction much, but you get symptoms from the lack of mineralocorticoids and cortisol for sure.
The onset is not sudden (so D is wrong). The onset of disease is slow and progressive it takes a long, long time for
the disease to eradicate enough of the adrenal to produce symptoms. The disease might present in what seems like an
acute fashion but if you look back, youd be able to see signs that were present for a long time (like a tanned
appearance, or fatigue).
Patients are not hypertensive; if anything, they are hypotensive because the lack of mineralocorticoids leads to a drop
in blood sodium, which leads to a lower blood volume and hypertension. So E is wrong.

9. You are seeing a 41-year old male who is very tall and has a large jaw. You wonder if he might have
acromegaly due to a pituitary adenoma. What laboratory test would be best for making this
diagnosis?
A. Insulin-like growth factor level
B. Random serum growth hormone level

C. Prolactin level
D. Hemoglobin
E. Lactate dehydrogenase
Acromegaly is caused by a growth hormone-producing pituitary adenoma. Youd think you could just measure growth
hormone, but since GH happens to be secreted in a pulsatile fashion, you cant just take a random GH measurement;
you wouldnt know where on the curve the patient was (so B is wrong). Insulin-like growth factor is a surrogate
marker that is made by the liver and released in a constant, non-pulsatile fashion. Its what is usually measured in the
workup of a GH producing pituitary adenoma. So A is correct.

10. Your sister is complaining that she is always tired, despite getting enough sleep. You notice that
she seems pale, and when you feel her pulse it is quite slow. She also mentions that she cant stand
the cold these days. What two lab tests would be most helpful in diagnosing her condition?
A. FSH and LH levels
B. Free T4 and TSH levels
C. Calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels
D. Insulin-like growth factor and prolactin levels
E. Cortisol and ACTH levels
Tired all the time and pale could mean anemia. But since your sister has a slow pulse (not a fast one, like youd expect
in severe anemia) and since thats not one of the answers we can rule that out.
Tired, pale, bradycardic (slow pulse) and cold is a great history for hypothyroidism. She also might feel depressed and
may have gained weight recently. For hypothyroidism (or hyperthyroidism, for that matter), the best tests to get are a
T4 (best to measure the free T4, because thats the active fraction) and a TSH. The T4 is low in hypothyroidism, and if
its a disease localized to the thyroid gland, like Hashimoto thyroiditis, the TSH will be high (because its responding to
the puny amount of T4 put out by the thyroid gland). If the hypothyroidism is due to hypopituitarism (which is rare),
then the TSH will be low (because thats whats driving the T4 down).

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Biology Question Bank 41 MCQs on Endocrine System

Answered!
By Pinaki Priyadarsini

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41 Questions with Answers and Explanations on Endocrine System for Biology Students.
1. MSH of pars intermedia of middle pituitary is responsible for
(a) darkening of skin in lower vertebrates
(b) light colouration of skin in lower vertebrates
(c) both A and B
(d) darkening of skin in human beings.
Answer and Explanation:
1. (a): Pars intermedia is the boundary between the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary. It
contains three types of cells basophils, chromophobes and colloid- filled cysts. This area produces
melanocyte stimulating hormone or MSH. It stimulates the synthesis of black pigment melanin in the
skin and also causes dispersion of melanin granules in the pigment cells, thereby darkening the
colour in certain animals (fishes; amphibians). In man it has no such role.
2. Which hormone possesses anti-insulin effect?
(a) Cortisol
(b) calcitonin
(c) oxytocin
(d) aldosterone.
Answer and Explanation:

2. (a): Insulin decreases the level of glucose in the blood while Cortisol (secreted by middle region of
adrenal cortex) increases the blood-glucose level by converting proteins and fats into carbohydrates
which are, in turn, converted to glucose.
3. Addition of a trace of thyroxine or iodine in water containing tadpoles will
(a) keep them in larval stage
(b) hasten their metamorphosis
(c) slow down their metamorphosis
(d) kill the tadpoles.
Answer and Explanation:
3. (b): In 1912, Gudematsch discovered that metamorphosis in frogs tadpole is increased by the
thyroxine hormone which has the iodine as the main constituent. If thyroxine or iodine in added in
water having tadpoles in it, then it increases the rate of metamorphosis in tadpole.
4. Insulin is a
(a) vitamin
(b) lipid
(c) hormone
(d) enzyme.
Answer and Explanation:
4. (c): Insulin is a hormone secreted by the (3-cells of pancreas on stimulation by a rise in bloodglucose level.
5. Occurrence of Leydigs cells and their secretion is
(a) ovary and estrogen

(b) liver and cholesterol

(c) pancreas and glucagon
(d) testis and testosterone.
Answer and Explanation:
5. (d): A pair of testes is situated in the scrotum of male. The connective tissue present between the
seminiferous tubules in a testis contains small clusters of endocrine cells called interstitial cells or
Leydigs cells. These cells secrete various male sex hormones called androgens. The principal
androgen is testosterone.
6. ADH or vasopressin is
(a) enzyme that hydrolyses peptides
(b) hormone secreted by pituitary that promotes reabsorption of water from glomerular filtrate
(c) hormone that promotes glycogenolysis
(d) energy rich compound connected with muscle contraction.
Answer and Explanation:
6. (b): Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin is secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary
gland. It increases the reabsorption of water in the distal convoluted tubule, collecting tubules and
collecting ducts of the nephrons of the kidneys. As a result, the reabsorption of water from the
glomerular filtrate is increased. Enzyme that hydrolysis peptide is known as peptidase. A hormone
that promotes glycogenosis is glucagon and adrenaline. Energy rich compound connected with
muscle contraction is ATP.
7. Gastric secretion is stopped by hormone
(a) enterogastrone
(b) gastrin
(c) pancreozymin

(d) cholecystokinin.
Answer and Explanation:
7. (a): Enterogastrone is secreted by duodenal epithelium and it slows gastric contractions to delay
its emptying and also stops secretion of gastric juice. Gastrin stimulates secretion of gastric juice.
Cholecystokinin stimulates release of enzymes in pancreatic juice and release of bile from gall
bladder. Cholecystokinin is also known as pancreozymin.
8. Testosterone is produced by
(a) Sertoli cells
(b) Leydigs cells
(c) oxyntic cells
(d) pituitary gland.
Answer and Explanation:
8. (b): Refer answer 5.
9. The immediate cause of induction of ovulation in human female is the large plasma surge
of
(a) LH
(b) FSH
(c) progesterone
(d) estradiol.
Answer and Explanation:
9. (a): LH (luteinising hormone) is released by anterior lobe of pituitary gland. It causes ovulation,
secretion of estrogen from mature ovarian follicle and progesterone from corpus luteum. FSH
stimulates sperm formation in the male and growth of ovarian follicles in the female. Progesterone

suspends ovulation during pregnancy, fixes the foetus to the uterine wall, forms placenta and
controls the development of the foetus in the uterus. Estradiol is the major estrogen in humans.
10. According to the accepted concept of hormone action, if receptor molecules are removed
from target organs, then the target organ will
(a) continue to respond to the hormone without any difference
(b) not respond to the hormone
(c) continue to respond to the hormone but will require higher concentration
(d) continue to respond to the hormone but in the opposite way.
Answer and Explanation:
10. (b): The molecules of hormones that are amino acid derivatives, peptides Ci proteins are large
and insoluble in lipids, and cannot enter the target cell. Therefore, they act at the cell surface. They
bind to specific receptor molecules located on the surface of the cell membrane. Therefore, if
receptor molecules are removed from target organs, then the target organ will not respond to the
hormone.
11. Which one of the following endocrine glands stores its secretion in the extracellular
space before discharging it into the blood?
(a) testis
(b) thyroid
(c) pancreas
(d) adrenal.
Answer and Explanation:
11. (b): The thyroid gland secretes three hormones : thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T 4),
triiodothyronine (T,)2 and calcitonin. Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine are iodinated forms of the amino

acid tyrosine. They are stored in the colloid that fills the follicles, and are released to the blood when
needed. The storage occurs in an unusual place, the extracellular colloid.
12. Which hormone stimulates the secretion of milk from female?
(a) oxytocin
(b) progesterone
(c) LH
(d) prolactin.
Answer and Explanation:
12. (d): Prolactin hormone stimulates the growth of milk glands during pregnancy and the secretion
of milk after delivery. Oxytocin causes release of milk during sucking by the infant. LH causes
ovulation and secretion of estrogen and progesterone from ovarian follicle and corpus luteum
respectively. Oxytocin, LH and prolactin are released by anterior lobe of pituitary gland.
Progesterone is secreted by corpus luteum.
13. Hormones thyroxine, adrenaline and the pigment melanin are formed from
(a) tyrosine
(b) proline
(c) tryptophan
(d) glycine.
Answer and Explanation:
13. (a): Hormones thyroxine, adrenaline and the pigment melanin are formed from tyrosine. Tyrosine
is transformed into dopa through the enzyme tyrosinase. Then through different metabolic pathways
it produces thyroxine, adrenaline, melanin etc.
14. The hormone which regulates the basal metabolism in our body is secreted from

(a) adrenal cortex

(b) pancreas
(c) pituitary
(d) thyroid.
Answer and Explanation:
14. (d): The basal metabolism is the minimum amount of energy the body uses in order to maintain
vital processes of the body. Generally, this expenditure of energy is expressed in terms of heat
production per unit of body surface per day on the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Thyroid is the largest
endocrine gland secreting three hormones thyroxine, triiodothyronine and calcitonin.
Thyroxine and triiodothyronine control BMR of the body by regulating the rate of oxidation and
production of energy. Calcitonin regulates the concentration of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
Adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and sexcorticoids. Pituitary gland
consists of three lobes and all of them secrete separate hormones. Pancreas secretes four
hormones insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide.
15. The contraction of gall bladder is due to wine System
(a) Cholecystokinin
(b) enterogastrone
(c) gastrin
(d) secretin.
Answer and Explanation:
15. (a): Cholecystokinin is secreted by duodenal epithelium and it stimulates gall blader to release
bile that causes emulsification of fats to increase lipase action on them. Enterogastrone and secretin
are also secreted by duodenal epithelium. Enterogastrone slows gastric contractions to delay its
emptying and also stops secretion of gastric juice. Secretin causes release of sodium bicarbonate in

pancreaticjuice, steps up secretion of bile and inhibits secretion of gastrin. Gastrin stimulates
secretion of gastric juice and is secreted by mucosa of pyloric stomach.
16.
The hormone that stimulates the stomach to secrete gastric juice is
(a) enterokinase
(b) enterogastrone
(c) gastrin
(d) renin.
Answer and Explanation:
16. (c): Gastrin hormone is secreted by mucosa of stomach and it stimulates secretion of gastric
juice. Enterogastrone is secreted by duodenal epithelium. Enterokinase is an enzyme that converts
trypsinogen into trypsin. Renin converts caesin of milk into paracaesin and whey protein.
17. Calcitonin is a thyroid hormone which
(a) elevates calcium level in blood
(b) has no effect on calcium
(c) elevates potassium level in blood
(d) lowers calcium level in blood.
Answer and Explanation:
17. (d): Calcitonin is secreted by the C cells. It regulates the concentration of calcium and
phosphorus in the blood. It is under the feedback control of plasma calcium concentration, and is
secreted when concentration of calcium rises in the blood. It then lowers the concentration of
calcium and phosphorus in the plasma by decreasing their release from the bones.
18. Diabetes is due to

(a) enzyme deficiency

(b) iodine deficiency
(c) Na+ deficiency
(d) hormonal deficiency
Answer and Explanation:
18. (d): Diabetes mellitus is caused by the deficiency of hormone insulin which is secreted by
pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood-glucose level. Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) leads to
diabetes insipidus.
19. The gonadotrophic hormones are secreted by
(a) anterior lobe of pituitary
(b) interstitial cells of testes
(c) adrenal cortex
(d) posterior part of thyroid.
Answer and Explanation:
19. (a): Gonadotropic hormones are secreted by anterior lobe of pituitary gland. They are as follows:
(a) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) It stimulates growth of ovarian follicles and their secretion of
oestrogens in the female, and spermatogenesis (formation of sperms) in the male.
(b) Interstitial-cell stimulating hormone (ICSH). It activates the Leydigs (interstitial) cells of the test is
to secrete androgens. In female, it stimulates the corpus luteum of the ovary to secrete
progesterone. In female it is termed luteinizing hormone (LH).
20. Secretion of progesterone by corpus luteum is initiated by
(a) testosterone

(b) thyroxine
(c) MSH
(d) LH.
Answer and Explanation:
20. (d): Luteinsing Hormone (LH) in the male, induces the interstitial cells of the testes to produce
male sex hormones named androgens such as testosterone. In the female, the luteinising hormone
causes ovulation, secretion of female sex hormone, estrogen from the maturing ovarian follicle, and
progesterone by the corpus luteum.
Testosterone makes the male genital system to become full grown and functional. Thyroxine
promotes growth of body tissues. MSH stimulates synthesis of melanin in the skin.
21. The function of oxytocin is to help in
(a) child birth
(b) gametogeresis
(c) growth
(d) lactation.
Answer and Explanation:
21. (d): Oxytocin is secreted by posterior lobe of pituitary gland. It induces contractions of smooth
muscles of myoepithelial cells of the mammary glands to cause release of milk during sucking by the
infant. Because of its role, oxytocin is called birth hormone and milk ejecting hormone.
22. Cholecystokinin and duocrinin are secreted by
(a) adrenal cortex
(b) thyroid gland
(c) intestine

(d) pancreas.
Answer and Explanation:
22. (c): Cholecystokinin and duocrinin are secreted by intestine. It stimulates pancreas to release
enzymes in pancreatic juice and stimulates gall bladder to release bile. Duocrinin causes release of
viscous mucus from Brunners glands into intestinal juice.
23. MSH is secreted by
(a) anterior lobe of pituitary
(b) middle lobe of pituitary
(c) posterior lobe of pituitary
(d) endostyle.
Answer and Explanation:
23. (b): Middle lobe of pituitary secretes a hormone named melanocyte-stimulating hormone. It
stimulates the synthesis of black pigment melanin in the skin, and also causes dispersal of melanin
granules in the pigment cells, thereby darkening the colour in certain animals (fishes; amphibians).
In man it has no such role. Anterior lobe of pituitary secretes FSH, LH, and TSH. ACTH and STH.
Posterior lobe of pituitary secretes oxytocin and vasopressin.
24. Which gland secretes odorous secretion in mammals?
(a) bartholins
(b) prostate
(c) anal gland
(d) liver.
Answer and Explanation:

24. (c): The anal glands are small paired sacs located on either side of the anus between the
external and internal sphincter muscles. These sebaceous glands within the lining secrete a foul
smelling liquid that is used for identification of members within a species. These glands are found in
all camivora except bears.
A pair of Bartholins glands occurs one on each side of the vaginal opening. They secrete viscid fluid
and their ducts pour the fluid into the vestibule to lubricate the vulva during copulation. The prostate
gland is present in males surrounding the urethra. It secretes a milky fluid that aids in sperm motility.
Liver is the largest gland of the body and performs various functions like deamination, production of
bile, glycogenesis, storage etc.
25. Melatonin is secreted by
(a) pineal body
(b) skin
(c) pituitary gland
(d) thyroid.
Answer and Explanation:
25. (a): Pineal gland is a stalked, small rounded organ. It is located on the midline, attached to the
posterior end of the roof of the third ventricle in the brain. It secretes two biogenic hormones
melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin causes concentration of pigment granules in the melanocytes.
It also regulates the working of gonads. Pituitary gland secretes a number of hormones, e.g., folliclestimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oxytocin etc. Thyroid secretes thyroxine and
triiodothyronine. Skin synthesize vitamin D in the presence of sunlight. It exists in two forms:
calciferol or D2 and cholecalciferol or Dv D3 circulates in the blood. Calcitriol is active form of D3. It
increases absorption of calcium and phosphorus from chyme in the small intestine and accelerate
bone formation.
26. Which set is similar
(a) corpus luteum graafian follicles

(b) sebum sweat

(c) bundle of His pace maker
(d) vitamin B7 Niacin.
Answer and Explanation:
26. (a): After ovulation many of the follicular cells remain in the collapsed graafian follicle on the
surface of the ovary. The antrum (cavity) of the collapsed follicle fills with a partially clotted fluid.
The follicular cells enlarge and fill with a yellow pigment, lutein. Such a follicle is called a corpus
luteum literally, yellow body. Sebum is secreted by sebaceous glands. SA node is known as
pacemaker. Niacin is a vitamin that forms a part of coenzymes (NAD, NADP). Vitamin B 7 (Biotin)
acts as coenzyme in fatty acid synthesis and in change of pyruvate to oxaloacetate.
27. Mainly which type of hormones control the menstrual cycle in human beings?
(a) FSH
(b) LH
(c) FSH, LH, estrogen
(d) progesteron.
Answer and Explanation:
27. (c): Menstrual cycle is controlled by several endocrinal parameters.
In beginning of the cycle FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) of pituitary initiates development of an
ovarian follicle. A growing ovarian follicle gradually secretes increasing amount of oestrogen. This in
turn leads to sudden surge of LH secretion by the pituitary. As the LH (leutinising hormone) level in
blood suddenly increases there is ovulation.
Thus only FSH or LH cannot control all the events of menstrual cycle. Progesteron is released by a
corpus luteum after ovulation which actually prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy.
If there is no fertilisation progesteron level falls and there is beginning of a new cycle.

28. When both ovaries are removed from rat then which hormone is decreased in blood?
(a) oxytocin
(b) prolactin
(c) estrogen
(d) gonadotropin releasing factor.
Answer and Explanation:
28. (c): Ovary secretes two hormones. Oestrogen before ovulation and progesteron after ovulation.
Oxytocin, prolaction are pituitary hormones and gonadotropin releasing factor is secreted by
hypothalamus of brain to stimulate pituitary for the secretion of gonadotropic hormones.
29. Adrenaline directly affects on
(a) S.A. node
(b) B-cells of Langerhans
(c) dorsal root of spinal nerve
(d) epithelial cells of stomach.
Answer and Explanation:
29. (a): Adrenalin directly affects the SA node to increase rate of heartbeat. Adrenalin prepares the
body for emergency reactions like fight & flight. Thus there is increase in heart rate, breathing rate,
blood pressure, glucose level in blood, peripheral circulation, etc. (3-cells of islet of Langerhans
secrete insulin that lower blood glucose level. Secretion of digestive juice by epithelial cells of
stomach is inhibited during this time.
30. Acromegaly is caused by
(a) excess of S.T.H.
(b) excess of thyroxine

(c) deficiency of thyroxine

(d) excess of adrenaline.
Answer and Explanation:
30. (a): Acromegaly is caused by excess of STH (somatotrophic hormone), relased by anterior lobe
of pituitary after adolescence. The bones of the lower jaw and limbs become abnormally enlarge but
the body does not attain a giant stature. Excess of thyroxine causes cretinism and myxoedema.
Excess of adrenaline causes increased BMR, heartbeat, excitement etc.
31. Which one of the following pairs correctly matches a hormone with a disease resulting
from its deficiency?
(a) Relaxin Gigantism
(b) Prolactin Cretinism
(c) Parathyroid hormone Tetany
(d) Insulin Diabetes insipidus
Answer and Explanation:
31. (c): Parathormone is a hormone secreted by parathyroid glands. Hyposecretion of parathormone
lowers concentration of calcium ions in the blood and tissues due to excretion of calcium in urine.
This increases the excitability of nerves and muscles, causing cramps and convulsions. Sustained
contractions (tetany) of the muscles of larynx, face, hands and feet are produced. This disorder is
known as parathyroid tetany. Hypersecretion of parathormone draws more calcium from the bones,
resulting in their softening, bending and fracture. This condition is called osteoporosis.
32. Chemically hormones are
(a) biogenic amines only
(b) proteins, steroids and biogenic amines
(c) proteins only

(d) steroids only.

Answer and Explanation:
32. (b): Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the ductless glands (sometimes by
neurons) and transported in the circulation to target cells. They regulate metabolic processes.
Chemically hormones are of different nature like biogenic amines (like thyroxine, adrenaline etc),
proteinaceous or polypeptide (like hypothalamic hormones etc.) and steroids (like sex hormones and
adrenocorticoids.
33. Which one of the following pairs correctly matches a hormone with a disease resulting
from its deficiency?
(a) Luteinizing hormone Failure of ovulation
(b) Insulin Diabetes insipidus
(c) Thyroxine Tetany
(d) Parathyroid hormone Diabetes mellitus.
Answer and Explanation:
33. (a): Ovulation occurs under the influence of luteinizing hormone and FSH (follicle stimulating
hormone) of anterior pituitary gland. Thus, deficiency of lutenaizing hormone results in failure of
ovulation. Diabetes mellitus, tetany and diabetes insipidus occur due to deficiency of insulin
(secreted from pancreas), parathormone (secreted by parathyroid gland) and vasopressin (ADI I) of
posterior pituitary respectively.
34. Which one of the following hormones is modified amino acid?
(a) epinephrine
(b) progesterone
(c) prostaglandin
(d) estrogen.

Answer and Explanation:

34. (a): Epinephrine is synthesized from tyrosine which is a non-essential amino acid possessing
cyclic structure with a straight side chain bearing carboxylic and amino group. The conversion of
tyrosine to epinephrine involves 4 steps-(a) ring hydroxylation (b) decarboxylation, (c) side-chain
hydroxylation (d) N-methylation.
35. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) endocrine glands regulate neural activity, but not vice versa
(b) neurons regulate endocrine activity, but not vice versa
(c) endocrine glands regulate neural activity, and nervous system regulates endocrine glands
(d) neither hormones control neural activity nor the neurons control endocrine activity
Answer and Explanation:
35. (c): The endocrine system links the brain to the organs that control body metabolism, growth and
development, and reproduction. The endocrine system is regulated by feedback. For example, the
hormones that are regulated by the pituitary gland, a signal is sent from the hypothalamus to the
pituitary gland in the form of a releasing hormone, which stimulates the pituitary to secrete a
stimulating hormone into the circulation.
The stimulating hormone then signals the target gland to I secrete its hormone. As the level of this
hormone rises in the circulation, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland shut down secretion of the
releasing hormone and the stimulating hormone, which in turn slows the secretion by the target
gland. This system results in stable blood concentrations of the hormones that are regulated by the
pituitary gland.
36. Which one of the following is not a secondary messenger in hormone action?
(a) cAMP
(b) cGMP
(c) calcium

(d) sodium
Answer and Explanation:
36. (d): Secondary messengers are low-weight diffusible molecules that are used to relay signals
within a cell. They are synthesized or released by specific enzymatic reactions, usually as a result of
an external signal that is received by a transmembrane receptor. cAMP, cGMPand Ca 2 act as
secondary messengers and are located within the cytoplasm. Sodium is an essential nutrient which
helps to maintain blood volume and keeps nerves functioning.
37. A steroid hormone which regulates glucose metabolism is
(a) cortisone
(b) Cortisol
(c) corticosterone
(d) 11 -deoxycorticosterone
37. (b): Glucocorticoids (e.g. Cortisol) are secreted by the middle region of the adrenal cortex. They
regulate the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. They increase the blood-glucose level
by converting proteins and fats into carboy hydrates which are in turn, converted to glucose.
38. Which of the following is an accumulation and release centre of neurohormones?
(a) anterior pituitary lobe
(b) posterior pituitary lobe
(c) intermediate lobe of the pituitary
(d) hypothalamus
Answer and Explanation:
38. (d): The neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus, when stimulated, release hormones, called
neurohormones via axons into the capillaries. The neurohormones are carried by the portal blood to
the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulate the latter to release its hormones.

On this account, such hypothalamic hormones are also called releaser hormones. Certain
hypothalamic hormones inhibit the secretion of some pituitary hormones. These are termed
inhibitory hormones or factors (IH or IF).
39. Which hormone causes dilation of blood vessels, increased oxygen consumption and
glucogenesis?
(a) glucagon
(b) ACTH
(c) insulin
(d) adrenaline
Answer and Explanation:
39. (d): Adrenaline is the hormone secreted by adrenal medulla. It prepares the animal to face
special conditions created by physical stress. All these conditions require more energy which is
provided by increasing heart beat, blood pressure, respiratory rate, sugar level of blood, blood
supply of heart and skeletal muscles and brain through dilation of their small arteries, and oxidative
metabolism. It also stimulates the breakdown of liver and muscle glycogen (glucogenesis) to provide
glucose for respiration.
40. A person is having problems with calcium and phosphorus metabolism in his body.
Which one of the following glands may not be functioning properly?
(a) parotid
(b) pancreas
(c) thyroid
(d) parathyroid.
Answer and Explanation:

40. (d): The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck, usually located behind the
thyroid gland, which produce parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone (PTH, also known as
parathormone) is a small protein that takes part in the control of calcium and phosphorus
homeostasis, as well as bone physiology.
When blood calcium level drops below a certain point, calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid
gland are activated to release hormone into the blood. It then stimulates osteoclasts to break down
bone and release calcium into the blood, and increase gastro-intestinal calcium absorption.
The parotid gland, found wrapped around the mandibular ramus, secretes saliva through Stensens
duct into the oral cavity to facilitate mastication and swallowing. Inflammation of one or both parotid
glands is known as parotitis.
The most common cause of parotitis was mumps. Pancreas is a large, elongated gland located
behind the lower portion of the stomach that secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the
blood. These hormones are essential in regulating blood sugar levels.
The pancreas also secretes enzymes into the small intestine that help with digestion and neutralize
acid from the stomach. Thyroid gland is bilobed endocrine gland situated in the base of the neck and
secretes two iodine-containing thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
They control the rate of all metabolic processes in the body and influence physical development and
activity of the nervous system. Disorders associated with thyroid gland are cretinism, myxoedema,
goitre, Hashimotos disease due to its hyposecretion and Graves disease due to its hypersecretion.
41. Feeling the tremors of an earthquake a scared resident of seventh floor of a multistoryed
building starts climbing down the stairs rapidly. Which hormone initiated this action?
(a) adrenaline
(b) glucagon
(c) gastrin
(d) thyroxine
Answer and Explanation:

41. (a): Adrenaline (epinephrine), also called emergency hormone, is a hormone, produced by the
medulla of the adrenal glands, that increases heart activity, improves the power and prolongs the
action of muscles, and increases the rate and depth of breathing to prepare the body for fright, flight,
or fight. At the same time it inhibits digestion and excretion. Similar effects are produced by
stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

1.

11 MCQs on Endocrine Physiology

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1. A person comes to you with an elevated serum free calcium but the parathyroid
hormone level (PTH) is in the normal range (52, with a normal in this assay of 1555). What is the best conclusion?
A. The PTH is normal, therefore the problem does not lie in the parathyroid gland.
B. The person must have excessive sensitivity to PTH, since normal levels are
stimulating excessive calcium mobilization from bone.
C. The PTH should be low if the parathyroid were functioning normally, thus the
problem does lie in the parathyroid gland.
D. You cannot be sure what is going on; you need to perform a parathyroid scan.

Show answer
Correct Answer: C

2. A mother comes to see you because two of her seven children are morbidly
obese. She and her husband think they may have some relatives in common, and
both parents are dark-haired. She brings one of her children with her. The boy is 13
years old, and weighs 230 lb; his BMI is 52. At birth, he was found to have adrenal
insufficiency and has been treated with appropriate doses of glucocorticoids. On
exam he is an obese, but otherwise normal red-haired kid. What would be the best
treatment, assuming that the phenotype is due to a single genetic lesion, and that
the treatment options listed were available?
A. Leptin injections.
B. A melanocortin 4 receptor (one of the MSH receptors) agonist.

C. An NPY antagonist.
D. Four weeks in a summer camp for obese kids.
E. Thyroid hormone replacement.

Show answer
Correct Answer: B

3. You have a brother who has type 1 diabetes. He has had severe hypoglycemia in
the past, without warning. Therefore, you have 1 mg of glucagon available for
injection in this situation. When you give the glucagon, which of the following will
happen?
A. Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis will promptly increase.
B. The glucose transporter GLUT4 will translocate to the plasma membrane, causing
brain glucose uptake to increase.
C. The tyrosine kinase activity of the glucagon receptor will be turned on.
D. Lipolysis will be suppressed.
E. Nothing, because you have to give some form of glucose along with the glucagon
in order for it to work.

Show answer
Correct Answer: A

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding thyroid hormone receptors

(TRs):
A. The three beta isoforms of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR-b1, b2, b3) are the
products of three distinct genes
B. The predominant TR isoform in the liver is TR-a1
C. TR-b2 is the major mediator of the negative regulation of the TSH and TRH genes
in the pituitary and paraventricular hypothalamus respectively.
D. Uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) is an important thyroid hormone target in white

adipose tissue that is involved in thyroid hormone induced thermogenesis

E. Increased cholesterol levels that occur in hypothyroidism are the result of
upregulation of LDL receptor expression in hepatocytes.

Show answer
Correct Answer: C

5. Which of the following statements regarding thyroid hormone synthesis is

correct?
A. Thyroid hormone is actively transported from the thyrocyte (thyroid follicular
epithelial cell) to the circulation by a specific transport protein.
B. The predominant hormone made by thyrocytes is tri-iodothyronine (T3)
C. The synthesis of thyroxine (T4) occurs within the thyrocyte.
D. Thyroid hormone is proteolytically cleaved from thyroglobulin by enzymes acting
within the lumen of the thyroid follicle. The released hormone then diffuses from
through the thyrocyte and into the circulation.
E. Iodine that is released from proteolytic cleavage of thyroglobulin can be recycled
from mono and diiodotyrosines by the action of type I deiodinase enzyme residing in
thyroid follicular cells.

Show answer
Correct Answer: E

6. A 51-year old woman seeks attention because she has not had a menstrual
period for 4 months. She is not pregnant, and her follicle stimulating hormone level
returns at 112 uIU/dL (normal < 14). She is menopausal and is deficient in
estrogen and:
A. Activin
B. Inhibin
C. GnRH

D. Corticosterone

Show answer
Correct Answer: B

7. In parathyroid cells, calcium regulates expression and release of parathyroid

hormone (PTH) by binding to:
A. A nuclear receptor in the supergene family that includes steroid hormone
receptors, the thyroid hormone receptor, and a number of "orphan" receptors.
B. A transmembrane protein receptor that activates a G-protein-mediated signal
cascade.
C. The golgi bodies where PTH is stored, and stimulating their fusion with exocytotic
vesicles.
D. A calcium-binding domain in the extracellular matrix, inducing a structural
change in the matrix.
E. A glycoprotein in the gap junction between parathyroid cells, mediating
transcytotic calcium flux.

Show answer
Correct Answer: B

8. A 52-year-old male presents for treatment of his hyperlipidemia. Diet efforts have
had little effect on his lipid profile. RISKS: no known coronary artery disease, nonsmoker and no family history of early coronary artery disease. Blood pressure
150/94, Lab data shows: total cholesterol 250 mg/dl, TG 250 mg/dl, HDL 34 mg/dl,
LDL 166 mg/dl, fasting glucose 135 and 128 mg/dl on two occasions. According to
ATP III guidelines:
A. By ATP III guidelines this patient has two risk factors for coronary artery disease.
B. By ATP III guidelines this patient should be treated with medication to achieve an
LDL level of less than 160 mg/dL.

C. By ATP III guidelines this patient should be treated with medication to achieve an
LDL level of less than 130 mg/dL.
D. By ATP III guidelines this patient should be treated with medication to achieve an
LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL.
E. The high TG levels pose the greatest cardiac risk for this patient.

Show answer
Correct Answer: D

9. On physical examination a patient is noted to have tendon xanthomata. Which

statement regarding this patient is true:
A. Lipemia retinalis is often seen in association with this physical exam finding.
B. This patients triglyceride levels are usually elevated.
C. Usually a genetically determined defect in the LDL receptor causes lipid
abnormalities associated with this physical finding.
D. The condition is not associated with risk of early coronary artery disease.

Show answer
Correct Answer: C

10. A deficiency of ACTH secretion would greatly diminish

A. The synthesis of aldosterone
B. The synthesis of testosterone in a man
C. The secretion of cortisol
D. The secretion of estradiol
E. All of the above

Show answer

Correct Answer: C

11. Cortisol synthesis would be diminished by

A. A defect in 11-hydoxysteroid dehydrogenase
B. A defect in 21-hydoxylase
C. A defect in 18-hydoxylation
D. A defect in 5-alpha-reductase
E. A defect in aromatase

Show answer
Correct Answer: B