Actual Exam Questions and
Correct Answers
Question 1: Virtually all of the protein or amino acid-based hormones exert their effects through
intracellular __________.
a. ions
b. deactivators
c. second messengers
d. nucleotides
Correct Answer: c. second messengers
Explanation: Protein or amino acid-based hormones (e.g., catecholamines, peptides) bind to
cell surface receptors, activating intracellular second messengers like cyclic AMP or calcium to
mediate their effects.
Question 2: Chemical substances secreted by cells into the extracellular fluids that regulate the
metabolic function of other cells in the body are called ___________.
a. proteins
b. antibodies
c. hormones
d. enzymes
Correct Answer: c. hormones
Explanation: Hormones are chemical messengers secreted into the bloodstream to regulate
distant cells' functions.
Question 3: The master gland of the endocrine system is the _________.
,a. endocrine
b. pituitary
c. adrenal
d. thyroid
Correct Answer: b. pituitary
Explanation: The pituitary gland regulates other endocrine glands via hormone secretion,
earning it the title "master gland."
Question 4: The secretion of hormones in response to changing blood levels of ions is known as
_____.
a. neural stimulus
b. hormonal stimulus
c. humoral stimulus
d. ionic stimulus
Correct Answer: c. humoral stimulus
Explanation: Humoral stimuli involve hormone release triggered by changes in blood ion or
nutrient levels (e.g., calcium for parathyroid hormone).
Question 5: The hormone that has the greatest effect on the metabolic rate is _____________.
a. growth hormone
b. aldosterone
c. thyroid
d. cortisol
Correct Answer: c. thyroid
Explanation: Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) significantly increase basal metabolic rate by
enhancing cellular metabolism.
Question 6: When blood glucose levels fall, the pancreas releases ________.
a. insulin
,b. melatonin
c. glucose
d. glucagon
Correct Answer: d. glucagon
Explanation: Glucagon, released by pancreatic alpha cells, raises blood glucose by
stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis when levels are low.
Question 7: When parathyroid hormone is released
a. blood calcium levels fall
b. osteoclasts are activated
c. calcitonin is inhibited
d. calcium channels are blocked
Correct Answer: b. osteoclasts are activated
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases blood calcium by activating osteoclasts to
break down bone, releasing calcium.
Question 8: The cells with the most receptors for growth hormones are
a. liver
b. nerves
c. bones
d. blood vessels
Correct Answer: c. bones
Explanation: Bone cells (osteoblasts and chondrocytes) have abundant growth hormone
receptors, promoting skeletal growth.
Question 9: Steroid hormones influence other cells by
a. activating cyclic AMP
b. entering the nucleus of the cell and altering the expression of the gene
c. binding specific receptors and activating G proteins
, d. stimulating the uptake of glucose
Correct Answer: b. entering the nucleus of the cell and altering the expression of the gene
Explanation: Steroid hormones pass through cell membranes, bind nuclear receptors, and
regulate gene transcription.
Question 10: The major plasma protein is
a. thrombin
b. albumin
c. fibrin
d. fibrinogen
Correct Answer: b. albumin
Explanation: Albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, maintaining osmotic pressure and
transporting molecules.
Question 11: This type of leukocyte produces antibodies
a. neutrophil
b. eosinophil
c. monocyte
d. lymphocyte
Correct Answer: d. lymphocyte
Explanation: B lymphocytes (B cells) differentiate into plasma cells that produce antibodies.
Question 12: Which of the following is not a phase of erythropoiesis
a. synthesis of hemoglobin
b. production of vacuoles
c. ejection of the erythrocyte nucleus
d. production of ribosomes
Correct Answer: b. production of vacuoles