1.
Which of the following statements concerning the pituitary gland is CORRECT?
Correct Answer
D. D) SomatotropHs are acidopHils and they produce GH
Explanation
Somatotrophs are a type of acidophilic cells found in the anterior pituitary gland. They are responsible for producing and secreting growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin. GH plays a crucial role in stimulating growth and development in various tissues and organs of the body. Acidophils are characterized by their affinity for acid dyes, which is why somatotrophs are referred to as acidophils. Therefore, the statement that somatotrophs are acidophils and they produce GH is correct.
2.
Which of the following statements concerning the embryology of the pituitary gland is CORRECT?
Correct Answer
E. E) Neuroectoderm gives rise to the neurohypopHysis
Explanation
The correct answer is E) Neuroectoderm gives rise to the neurohypophysis. The neurohypophysis, also known as the posterior pituitary, is derived from neuroectoderm during embryonic development. This part of the pituitary gland consists of axons and nerve terminals that originate from neurons in the hypothalamus. These neurons produce hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which are then stored and released from the neurohypophysis into the bloodstream.
3.
Which of the following statements concerning the pituitary gland is CORRECT?
Correct Answer
B. B) Herring bodies store oxytocin and vasopressin
Explanation
Herring bodies are specialized structures found in the posterior pituitary gland that store and release oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and eventual release into the bloodstream when needed. Therefore, statement B is correct.
4.
Which cell type produces growth hormone ?
Correct Answer
D. SomatotropHs
Explanation
Somatotrophs are the cell type that produces growth hormone. Growth hormone is a peptide hormone that is essential for growth and development. Somatotrophs are found in the anterior pituitary gland and are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of growth hormone. They are regulated by the hypothalamus, specifically the release of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and somatostatin. When GHRH is released, it stimulates somatotrophs to produce and release growth hormone into the bloodstream. Therefore, somatotrophs are the correct answer for the cell type that produces growth hormone.
5.
Which hormone is produced by the zona glomerulosa ?
Correct Answer
D. Aldosterone
Explanation
The hormone produced by the zona glomerulosa is aldosterone. Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that is responsible for regulating the body's electrolyte balance, particularly the balance of sodium and potassium. It acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium, helping to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
6.
Which hormone is produced by the zona reticularis?
Correct Answer
B. Androstenedione
Explanation
Androstenedione is produced by the zona reticularis, which is one of the three layers of the adrenal cortex. This hormone is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen and plays a role in the development and function of the male and female reproductive systems. It is primarily produced in the adrenal glands, but can also be produced in the ovaries and testes. Androstenedione levels can be elevated in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and certain forms of adrenal hyperplasia.
7.
Which hormone is produced as a result of angiotensin II stimulation?
Correct Answer
E. Aldosterone
Explanation
Aldosterone is produced as a result of angiotensin II stimulation. Angiotensin II is a hormone that is released in response to low blood pressure or low blood volume. It acts on the adrenal glands to stimulate the production and release of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance by increasing the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys.
8.
A 6-year-old boy of short stature is given a subcutaneous injection of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) as a diagnostic test. A growth hormone (GH) level obtained after the injection shows a substantial increase in plasma GH. This should indicate that:
Correct Answer
B. B) the patient's short stature is due to hypothalamic dysfunction.
Explanation
The correct answer is B) the patient's short stature is due to hypothalamic dysfunction. This is because the injection of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) resulted in a substantial increase in plasma growth hormone (GH) levels. This indicates that the patient's pituitary gland is capable of producing and releasing GH, suggesting that the issue lies with the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating GH synthesis and release. Therefore, the patient's short stature is likely due to hypothalamic dysfunction rather than a problem with GH synthesis and release.
9.
Many hormones circulate in plasma in a protein bound form. This combination:
Correct Answer
E. E) usually prolongs the hormone's half-life.
Explanation
Proteins bind to hormones in the plasma, forming a complex. This binding usually prolongs the hormone's half-life. When a hormone is bound to a protein, it is protected from degradation and elimination by the kidneys. This allows the hormone to remain in circulation for a longer period of time, increasing its availability to target tissues and prolonging its overall effects. Therefore, option E) is the correct answer.
10.
A characteristic common to all hypothalamic releasing hormones is that they:
Correct Answer
A. A) are proteins or polypeptides released in a pulsatile manner
Explanation
Hypothalamic releasing hormones are proteins or polypeptides that are released in a pulsatile manner. This means that they are released in short bursts or pulses rather than continuously. This pulsatile release is important for regulating the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland. By being released in pulses, these hormones can have a more precise and controlled effect on their target cells.
11.
Which of the following statements is characteristic of the thyroid gland?
Correct Answer
E. E) Thyroid follicular cells secrete T4 hormone
Explanation
Thyroid follicular cells secrete T4 hormone. This is a characteristic of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is not derived from the 3rd pharyngeal pouch (A), it does not secrete parathyroid hormone (B), chief cells are not involved in the production of calcitonin (C), and the colloid is not primarily composed of calcitonin and T3 (D). Therefore, the correct answer is E) Thyroid follicular cells secrete T4 hormone.
12.
Which of the following statements concerning the embryology of the pituitary gland is CORRECT?
Correct Answer
D. D) Oral ectoderm gives rise to the anterior pituitary