1
BIOS252 Anatomy and Physiology II Exam 1
2026/2027 Actual Exam - Complete Questions
with Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified
Graded A+ Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Endocrine System (Questions 1-25)
Q1: Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for steroid hormones?
A. Activating second-messenger systems like cAMP
B. Binding to intracellular receptors and influencing gene transcription
C. Activating tyrosine kinase receptors
D. Opening ion channels on the cell membrane
C. Binding to intracellular receptors and influencing gene transcription [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Steroid hormones (lipid-soluble) diffuse through the plasma membrane and bind to
intracellular receptors; the hormone-receptor complex then acts as a transcription factor to alter
protein synthesis. Options A, C, and D describe mechanisms of water-soluble hormones like
peptides and amines.
Q2: The hypothalamus exerts control over the posterior pituitary via:
A. Hypophyseal portal system
B. Neurosecretory cells releasing hormones into the general circulation
C. Direct neural stimulation
D. Releasing hormones (RH) and inhibiting hormones (IH)
C. Direct neural stimulation [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The posterior pituitary is an extension of the hypothalamus; axons of hypothalamic
neurons extend down the infundibulum and store/release hormones (ADH and Oxytocin) directly
into the blood. The portal system (Option A) controls the anterior pituitary.
,2
Q3: Which anterior pituitary hormone regulates the thyroid gland?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. Growth hormone (GH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. ACTH targets the adrenal
cortex, and FSH targets the gonads.
Q4: A patient presents with weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Lab results show low
TSH and high T3/T4. Which condition is the most likely cause?
A. Primary hypothyroidism
B. Secondary hypothyroidism
C. Graves' disease (Primary hyperthyroidism)
D. Pituitary tumor
C. Graves' disease (Primary hyperthyroidism) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In primary hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is overactive (high T3/T4), which negatively
feeds back to the pituitary to suppress TSH secretion (low TSH). Graves' disease is the most
common cause of this.
Q5: Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast
activity?
A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
B. Calcitonin
C. Calcitriol
D. Cortisol
, 3
B. Calcitonin [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calcitonin, secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland, lowers blood
calcium by inhibiting bone resorption (osteoclasts). PTH has the opposite effect (raises blood
calcium).
Q6: The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex primarily secretes:
A. Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)
B. Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)
C. Gonadocorticoids (Androgens)
D. Catecholamines (Epinephrine)
B. Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa, produces
mineralocorticoids, chiefly aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium balance.
Q7: Which of the following is a function of glucocorticoids (e.g., Cortisol)?
A. Promoting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys
B. Stimulating the breakdown of fats and proteins (gluconeogenesis)
C. Reducing inflammation and immune response
D. Both B and C
D. Both B and C [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glucocorticoids are catabolic hormones that promote gluconeogenesis (breaking
down fats/proteins) and have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Sodium
reabsorption is the function of mineralocorticoids.
Q8: Insulin is released by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to:
A. Low blood glucose levels
BIOS252 Anatomy and Physiology II Exam 1
2026/2027 Actual Exam - Complete Questions
with Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified
Graded A+ Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Endocrine System (Questions 1-25)
Q1: Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for steroid hormones?
A. Activating second-messenger systems like cAMP
B. Binding to intracellular receptors and influencing gene transcription
C. Activating tyrosine kinase receptors
D. Opening ion channels on the cell membrane
C. Binding to intracellular receptors and influencing gene transcription [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Steroid hormones (lipid-soluble) diffuse through the plasma membrane and bind to
intracellular receptors; the hormone-receptor complex then acts as a transcription factor to alter
protein synthesis. Options A, C, and D describe mechanisms of water-soluble hormones like
peptides and amines.
Q2: The hypothalamus exerts control over the posterior pituitary via:
A. Hypophyseal portal system
B. Neurosecretory cells releasing hormones into the general circulation
C. Direct neural stimulation
D. Releasing hormones (RH) and inhibiting hormones (IH)
C. Direct neural stimulation [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The posterior pituitary is an extension of the hypothalamus; axons of hypothalamic
neurons extend down the infundibulum and store/release hormones (ADH and Oxytocin) directly
into the blood. The portal system (Option A) controls the anterior pituitary.
,2
Q3: Which anterior pituitary hormone regulates the thyroid gland?
A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
D. Growth hormone (GH)
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. ACTH targets the adrenal
cortex, and FSH targets the gonads.
Q4: A patient presents with weight loss, heat intolerance, and tachycardia. Lab results show low
TSH and high T3/T4. Which condition is the most likely cause?
A. Primary hypothyroidism
B. Secondary hypothyroidism
C. Graves' disease (Primary hyperthyroidism)
D. Pituitary tumor
C. Graves' disease (Primary hyperthyroidism) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In primary hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is overactive (high T3/T4), which negatively
feeds back to the pituitary to suppress TSH secretion (low TSH). Graves' disease is the most
common cause of this.
Q5: Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast
activity?
A. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
B. Calcitonin
C. Calcitriol
D. Cortisol
, 3
B. Calcitonin [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calcitonin, secreted by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland, lowers blood
calcium by inhibiting bone resorption (osteoclasts). PTH has the opposite effect (raises blood
calcium).
Q6: The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex primarily secretes:
A. Glucocorticoids (Cortisol)
B. Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone)
C. Gonadocorticoids (Androgens)
D. Catecholamines (Epinephrine)
B. Mineralocorticoids (Aldosterone) [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The outermost layer of the adrenal cortex, the zona glomerulosa, produces
mineralocorticoids, chiefly aldosterone, which regulates sodium and potassium balance.
Q7: Which of the following is a function of glucocorticoids (e.g., Cortisol)?
A. Promoting sodium reabsorption in the kidneys
B. Stimulating the breakdown of fats and proteins (gluconeogenesis)
C. Reducing inflammation and immune response
D. Both B and C
D. Both B and C [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glucocorticoids are catabolic hormones that promote gluconeogenesis (breaking
down fats/proteins) and have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Sodium
reabsorption is the function of mineralocorticoids.
Q8: Insulin is released by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to:
A. Low blood glucose levels
