PREP: REAL TEST QUESTIONS &
VERIFIED ANSWERS
1). Compare and contrast endocrine and exocrine glands
ANSW>>> Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into
interstitial fluid or blood (e.g., thyroid, pituitary). Exocrine glands secrete their
products (e.g., sweat, tears, milk) through ducts onto epithelial surfaces.
2). Compare and contrast hormonal and neural controls of body functioning
ANSW>>> Neural control is fast, uses nerve impulses, and has a short duration
(e.g., reflex). Hormonal control is slower, uses hormones transported in blood,
and has a longer duration (e.g., growth hormone).
3). Define hormone and list the main chemical classes of hormones
ANSW>>> A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted into blood to regulate
target cells. Classes: peptides/proteins, steroids, and amines (derived from
tyrosine).
4). Name the primary endocrine glands and give one hormone each produces
ANSW>>> Pituitary (growth hormone), thyroid (thyroxine), parathyroid (PTH),
adrenal (cortisol), pancreas (insulin), gonads (testosterone/estrogen).
5). Explain the negative feedback mechanism in endocrine regulation
ANSW>>> A stimulus causes hormone release; rising hormone levels inhibit
further release (e.g., thyroid hormones inhibit TRH and TSH).
6). Describe the role of the hypothalamus in controlling the pituitary gland
ANSW>>> The hypothalamus secretes releasing/inhibiting hormones into the
hypophyseal portal system to regulate the anterior pituitary; it also produces
ADH and oxytocin stored in the posterior pituitary.
7). Compare the anterior and posterior pituitary
ANSW>>> Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) produces its own hormones
, (e.g., GH, TSH); posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) stores and releases ADH
and oxytocin made in the hypothalamus.
8). List the hormones of the adrenal cortex and their primary functions
ANSW>>> Mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) regulate sodium/potassium
balance; glucocorticoids (cortisol) affect metabolism and stress response;
gonadocorticoids (androgens) contribute to sex drive.
9). Describe the “fight or flight” response mediated by the adrenal medulla
ANSW>>> Sympathetic stimulation causes adrenal medulla to release
epinephrine and norepinephrine, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and
blood glucose.
10). What is the function of insulin and glucagon?
ANSW>>> Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and
storage; glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and
gluconeogenesis.
11). Explain the effects of aging on the endocrine system
ANSW>>> Aging leads to decreased hormone production (e.g., GH, sex
hormones), reduced receptor sensitivity, and increased incidence of endocrine
disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes).
12). Explain the effects of stress on the endocrine system
ANSW>>> Stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis,
increasing cortisol and catecholamines, which mobilizes energy but can
suppress immunity and cause long-term damage if chronic.
13). Explain the composition and role of extracellular fluids
ANSW>>> Extracellular fluid (ECF) consists of interstitial fluid, blood plasma, and
lymph. It acts as the body’s internal environment, allowing nutrient/waste
exchange between blood and cells.
14). Describe the composition, function and physical characteristics of whole
blood and explain why it is classified as a connective tissue
ANSW>>> Whole blood is composed of plasma (55%) and formed elements
(45%: erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets). It is a connective tissue because it has
a nonliving extracellular matrix (plasma) and is derived from mesenchyme.