BIOS 252 Comprehensive Final Actual Exam
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 |
Anatomy and Physiology II Complete Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Question 1 Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of endocrine glands?
A. They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
B. They have ducts that transport secretions to specific locations [CORRECT]
C. They regulate metabolic activities through chemical messengers
D. They include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream or interstitial fluid. The presence of ducts describes exocrine glands (e.g., sweat
glands, salivary glands, pancreas exocrine portion). Options A, C, and D correctly describe
endocrine glands. The distinction between endocrine (ductless, hormones) and exocrine (ducted,
local secretions) is fundamental to understanding glandular physiology.
Question 2 The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary gland through:
A. Direct neural connections
B. Releasing and inhibiting hormones delivered via the hypophyseal portal system [CORRECT]
C. Action potentials along axons
D. Cerebrospinal fluid circulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The hypothalamus communicates with the anterior pituitary through the hypophyseal
portal system—a specialized capillary network that delivers releasing hormones (TRH, CRH,
GHRH, GnRH) and inhibiting hormones (somatostatin, dopamine) directly to anterior pituitary
cells. This vascular connection allows rapid, concentrated hormone delivery without dilution in
systemic circulation. The posterior pituitary (A, C) uses direct neural connections via the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract.
Question 3 Which anterior pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol?
, A. Growth hormone (GH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) [CORRECT]
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACTH (corticotropin) specifically targets the adrenal cortex zona fasciculata to
stimulate glucocorticoid (cortisol) release. GH (A) affects growth and metabolism. TSH (B)
stimulates thyroid hormone production. FSH (D) regulates gonadal function. The hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involves CRH → ACTH → cortisol, critical for stress response.
Question 4 A patient presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and
bradycardia. Laboratory tests show low T3/T4 and elevated TSH. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism)
B. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) [CORRECT]
C. Thyroid storm
D. Simple goiter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presentation indicates hypothyroidism: low metabolic rate (cold intolerance,
weight gain), decreased sympathetic activity (bradycardia), and myxedema (dry skin). Low
T3/T4 with elevated TSH indicates primary hypothyroidism (thyroid gland failure). Hashimoto's
thyroiditis is autoimmune destruction of thyroid tissue. Graves' disease (A) and thyroid storm (C)
are hyperthyroid states. Simple goiter (D) typically presents with normal thyroid function.
Question 5 The "fight or flight" hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted by the:
A. Adrenal cortex zona glomerulosa
B. Adrenal cortex zona fasciculata
C. Adrenal cortex zona reticularis
D. Adrenal medulla [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The adrenal medulla is modified sympathetic nervous tissue that secretes
catecholamines (80% epinephrine, 20% norepinephrine) in response to preganglionic
sympathetic stimulation. The adrenal cortex zones produce different hormones: zona
glomerulosa (A)—mineralocorticoids; zona fasciculata (B)—glucocorticoids; zona reticularis
(C)—androgens.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 |
Anatomy and Physiology II Complete Q&A | Pass
Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Question 1 Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of endocrine glands?
A. They secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
B. They have ducts that transport secretions to specific locations [CORRECT]
C. They regulate metabolic activities through chemical messengers
D. They include the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the
bloodstream or interstitial fluid. The presence of ducts describes exocrine glands (e.g., sweat
glands, salivary glands, pancreas exocrine portion). Options A, C, and D correctly describe
endocrine glands. The distinction between endocrine (ductless, hormones) and exocrine (ducted,
local secretions) is fundamental to understanding glandular physiology.
Question 2 The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary gland through:
A. Direct neural connections
B. Releasing and inhibiting hormones delivered via the hypophyseal portal system [CORRECT]
C. Action potentials along axons
D. Cerebrospinal fluid circulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The hypothalamus communicates with the anterior pituitary through the hypophyseal
portal system—a specialized capillary network that delivers releasing hormones (TRH, CRH,
GHRH, GnRH) and inhibiting hormones (somatostatin, dopamine) directly to anterior pituitary
cells. This vascular connection allows rapid, concentrated hormone delivery without dilution in
systemic circulation. The posterior pituitary (A, C) uses direct neural connections via the
hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract.
Question 3 Which anterior pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol?
, A. Growth hormone (GH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) [CORRECT]
D. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ACTH (corticotropin) specifically targets the adrenal cortex zona fasciculata to
stimulate glucocorticoid (cortisol) release. GH (A) affects growth and metabolism. TSH (B)
stimulates thyroid hormone production. FSH (D) regulates gonadal function. The hypothalamic-
pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis involves CRH → ACTH → cortisol, critical for stress response.
Question 4 A patient presents with fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and
bradycardia. Laboratory tests show low T3/T4 and elevated TSH. The most likely diagnosis is:
A. Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism)
B. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) [CORRECT]
C. Thyroid storm
D. Simple goiter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The presentation indicates hypothyroidism: low metabolic rate (cold intolerance,
weight gain), decreased sympathetic activity (bradycardia), and myxedema (dry skin). Low
T3/T4 with elevated TSH indicates primary hypothyroidism (thyroid gland failure). Hashimoto's
thyroiditis is autoimmune destruction of thyroid tissue. Graves' disease (A) and thyroid storm (C)
are hyperthyroid states. Simple goiter (D) typically presents with normal thyroid function.
Question 5 The "fight or flight" hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted by the:
A. Adrenal cortex zona glomerulosa
B. Adrenal cortex zona fasciculata
C. Adrenal cortex zona reticularis
D. Adrenal medulla [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The adrenal medulla is modified sympathetic nervous tissue that secretes
catecholamines (80% epinephrine, 20% norepinephrine) in response to preganglionic
sympathetic stimulation. The adrenal cortex zones produce different hormones: zona
glomerulosa (A)—mineralocorticoids; zona fasciculata (B)—glucocorticoids; zona reticularis
(C)—androgens.
