Endocrine glands are different than exocrine glands in that exocrine glands:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because exocrine glands secrete their products through ducts out onto the skin or into body cavities, unlike endocrine glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream. This distinction is crucial as exocrine glands do not release hormones into the blood (A), do not necessarily affect many body organs (C), and are not limited to the reproductive organs (D). The unique characteristic of exocrine glands secreting through ducts sets them apart from endocrine glands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Anterior pituitary. Releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus act on the anterior pituitary to regulate the secretion of pituitary hormones. This interaction is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hormones released by the hypothalamus travel through the hypophyseal portal system to the anterior pituitary, where they stimulate or inhibit the release of specific pituitary hormones. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary target of hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones is the anterior pituitary, not the liver & adipose tissue, gonads, or bone marrow.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This autoimmune condition is a common cause of primary hypothyroidism as it leads to inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced production of thyroid hormones. Graves' disease (A) is actually a cause of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Toxic multinodular goiter (C) is also associated with hyperthyroidism. TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma (D) causes secondary, not primary, hypothyroidism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate various functions in the body, such as metabolism, immune response, and stress response. The testes (A) produce testosterone, the ovaries (B) produce estrogen and progesterone, and the hypothalamus (D) regulates the release of hormones from the pituitary gland but does not produce cortisol directly. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect in this context.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone. The posterior pituitary stores and releases these hormones, which are produced in the hypothalamus. Oxytocin is involved in uterine contractions and milk ejection, while antidiuretic hormone regulates water balance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because human growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone are produced by the anterior pituitary, prolactin and follicle-stimulating hormone are produced by the anterior pituitary, and glucocorticoids and androgens are produced by the adrenal glands, respectively.