BIOL 252 | BIOL252 Module 7: Human Anatomy &
Physiology II with Lab Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following describes the primary difference between the endocrine and
nervous systems?
A. The nervous system uses hormones while the endocrine system uses neurotransmitters.
B. The endocrine system acts faster than the nervous system.
C. The endocrine system uses chemical messengers transported in the blood.
D. The nervous system effects are much longer-lasting than endocrine effects.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The endocrine system communicates via hormones that travel through the
circulatory system to reach target cells. In contrast, the nervous system utilizes electrical
impulses and neurotransmitters for rapid communication. While neural responses are
almost instantaneous, endocrine responses typically take longer to initiate. However, the
effects of hormones generally persist for a longer duration than neural signals. This allows
the endocrine system to manage long-term processes like growth and metabolism.
2. Which gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates several other
endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Adrenal gland
C. Pituitary gland
D. Pineal gland
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because its hormones
control numerous other endocrine functions. It is divided into the anterior and posterior
lobes, each secreting different hormones. The anterior pituitary produces tropic hormones
like TSH and ACTH that stimulate other glands. Although the hypothalamus controls the
pituitary, the pituitary directly interfaces with the rest of the body’s endocrine organs. Its
strategic location and diverse output make it central to hormonal homeostasis.
3. Which hormone is produced by the hypothalamus but stored and released by the posterior
pituitary?
A. Growth Hormone
,B. Prolactin
C. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is synthesized by specialized neurons within
the hypothalamus. It travels down the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract to the posterior
pituitary for storage. When blood osmolarity increases, the posterior pituitary releases
ADH into the bloodstream. ADH then acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption
and maintain fluid balance. This mechanism illustrates the close functional link between
the brain and the endocrine system.
4. What is the primary effect of Calcitonin on blood calcium levels?
A. It decreases blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts.
B. It increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts.
C. It increases blood calcium by increasing intestinal absorption.
D. It has no effect on blood calcium levels.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid
gland. Its main function is to lower blood calcium levels when they become too high. It
achieves this by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone.
Additionally, it encourages the deposition of calcium into the bone matrix. This hormone
works in opposition to parathyroid hormone to maintain calcium homeostasis.
5. Which of the following hormones is released in response to a hormonal stimulus?
A. Insulin released due to high blood glucose
B. Thyroid hormone released due to TSH
C. Epinephrine released due to sympathetic stimulation
D. Parathyroid hormone released due to low blood calcium
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A hormonal stimulus occurs when one hormone triggers the release of
another hormone. In this case, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the pituitary
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. This is a classic example of a
hierarchical control system within the endocrine system. Other stimuli types include
humoral stimuli, which respond to blood levels of ions, and neural stimuli. Understanding
these triggers is essential for diagnosing endocrine feedback disorders.
, 6. What is the main function of the hormone Glucagon?
A. To lower blood glucose levels
B. To promote protein synthesis
C. To increase blood glucose levels
D. To stimulate fat storage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. Its primary
role is to raise blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or exercise. It stimulates the
liver to perform glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose.
Additionally, it promotes gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate
sources. This ensures that the brain and muscles have a steady supply of energy.
7. Which layer of the adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids like Aldosterone?
A. Zona glomerulosa
B. Zona reticularis
C. Zona fasciculata
D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The adrenal cortex is organized into three distinct layers, each producing
different steroid hormones. The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is responsible for
secreting mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is the primary mineralocorticoid, which helps
regulate sodium and potassium balance in the blood. By promoting sodium retention, it
indirectly aids in maintaining blood pressure and volume. The other layers, the fasciculata
and reticularis, produce glucocorticoids and androgens, respectively.
8. How do lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroids, typically exert their effects on target
cells?
A. By entering the cell and binding to intracellular receptors
B. By activating a second messenger system like cAMP
C. By binding to receptors on the cell surface
D. By opening ion channels in the plasma membrane
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Lipid-soluble hormones can easily pass through the phospholipid bilayer of
the target cell membrane. Once inside, they bind to specific receptors located in the
cytoplasm or the nucleus. The resulting hormone-receptor complex then binds to DNA to
trigger gene transcription. This leads to the synthesis of new proteins that alter the cell’s
Physiology II with Lab Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale -
Portage Learning
1. Which of the following describes the primary difference between the endocrine and
nervous systems?
A. The nervous system uses hormones while the endocrine system uses neurotransmitters.
B. The endocrine system acts faster than the nervous system.
C. The endocrine system uses chemical messengers transported in the blood.
D. The nervous system effects are much longer-lasting than endocrine effects.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The endocrine system communicates via hormones that travel through the
circulatory system to reach target cells. In contrast, the nervous system utilizes electrical
impulses and neurotransmitters for rapid communication. While neural responses are
almost instantaneous, endocrine responses typically take longer to initiate. However, the
effects of hormones generally persist for a longer duration than neural signals. This allows
the endocrine system to manage long-term processes like growth and metabolism.
2. Which gland is often referred to as the ‘master gland’ because it regulates several other
endocrine glands?
A. Thyroid gland
B. Adrenal gland
C. Pituitary gland
D. Pineal gland
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because its hormones
control numerous other endocrine functions. It is divided into the anterior and posterior
lobes, each secreting different hormones. The anterior pituitary produces tropic hormones
like TSH and ACTH that stimulate other glands. Although the hypothalamus controls the
pituitary, the pituitary directly interfaces with the rest of the body’s endocrine organs. Its
strategic location and diverse output make it central to hormonal homeostasis.
3. Which hormone is produced by the hypothalamus but stored and released by the posterior
pituitary?
A. Growth Hormone
,B. Prolactin
C. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
D. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is synthesized by specialized neurons within
the hypothalamus. It travels down the hypothalamic-hypophyseal tract to the posterior
pituitary for storage. When blood osmolarity increases, the posterior pituitary releases
ADH into the bloodstream. ADH then acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption
and maintain fluid balance. This mechanism illustrates the close functional link between
the brain and the endocrine system.
4. What is the primary effect of Calcitonin on blood calcium levels?
A. It decreases blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclasts.
B. It increases blood calcium by stimulating osteoclasts.
C. It increases blood calcium by increasing intestinal absorption.
D. It has no effect on blood calcium levels.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid
gland. Its main function is to lower blood calcium levels when they become too high. It
achieves this by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone.
Additionally, it encourages the deposition of calcium into the bone matrix. This hormone
works in opposition to parathyroid hormone to maintain calcium homeostasis.
5. Which of the following hormones is released in response to a hormonal stimulus?
A. Insulin released due to high blood glucose
B. Thyroid hormone released due to TSH
C. Epinephrine released due to sympathetic stimulation
D. Parathyroid hormone released due to low blood calcium
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A hormonal stimulus occurs when one hormone triggers the release of
another hormone. In this case, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the pituitary
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. This is a classic example of a
hierarchical control system within the endocrine system. Other stimuli types include
humoral stimuli, which respond to blood levels of ions, and neural stimuli. Understanding
these triggers is essential for diagnosing endocrine feedback disorders.
, 6. What is the main function of the hormone Glucagon?
A. To lower blood glucose levels
B. To promote protein synthesis
C. To increase blood glucose levels
D. To stimulate fat storage
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Glucagon is produced by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. Its primary
role is to raise blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or exercise. It stimulates the
liver to perform glycogenolysis, which is the breakdown of glycogen into glucose.
Additionally, it promotes gluconeogenesis, the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate
sources. This ensures that the brain and muscles have a steady supply of energy.
7. Which layer of the adrenal cortex produces mineralocorticoids like Aldosterone?
A. Zona glomerulosa
B. Zona reticularis
C. Zona fasciculata
D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The adrenal cortex is organized into three distinct layers, each producing
different steroid hormones. The outermost layer, the zona glomerulosa, is responsible for
secreting mineralocorticoids. Aldosterone is the primary mineralocorticoid, which helps
regulate sodium and potassium balance in the blood. By promoting sodium retention, it
indirectly aids in maintaining blood pressure and volume. The other layers, the fasciculata
and reticularis, produce glucocorticoids and androgens, respectively.
8. How do lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroids, typically exert their effects on target
cells?
A. By entering the cell and binding to intracellular receptors
B. By activating a second messenger system like cAMP
C. By binding to receptors on the cell surface
D. By opening ion channels in the plasma membrane
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Lipid-soluble hormones can easily pass through the phospholipid bilayer of
the target cell membrane. Once inside, they bind to specific receptors located in the
cytoplasm or the nucleus. The resulting hormone-receptor complex then binds to DNA to
trigger gene transcription. This leads to the synthesis of new proteins that alter the cell’s
