ATI RN
Endocrine System Multiple Choice Questions Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
The adrenal medulla secretes:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (and norepinephrine), catecholamines from chromaffin cells, boosting heart rate and glucose in stress responses. Cortisone and cortisol, glucocorticoids, come from the adrenal cortex's zona fasciculata, not medulla. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, not a medullary hormone preganglionic neurons use it to stimulate medulla. Epinephrine's rapid, sympathetic-like action distinguishes it, vital for acute stress, unlike cortical steroids or neural signals.
Question 2 of 5
What is the proper sequence of adrenal cortex zones, from the outside in?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adrenal cortex zones, outside in, are zona glomerulosa (mineralocorticoids, e.g., aldosterone), zona fasciculata (glucocorticoids, e.g., cortisol), and zona reticularis (androgens). 'Faticularis' is a typo fasciculata is correct, but only one option fits anatomy. Reversed or jumbled orders (reticularis outer, fasciculata outer) defy histology. Glomerulosa-fasciculata-reticularis sequence reflects functional layering, distinguishing it, key to adrenal hormone production.
Question 3 of 5
The acidophils of the anterior pituitary secrete:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acidophils in the anterior pituitary secrete prolactin (lactation) and growth hormone (GH, growth/metabolism), staining pink with acidic dyes. LH and FSH, gonadotropins, come from basophils, as does TSH (thyroid stimulation). MSH (melanocyte-stimulating) is minimal in humans, from intermediate lobe, not acidophils. Prolactin and GH's acidophil origin distinguishes them, critical for lactation and growth, unlike basophil hormones.
Question 4 of 5
A client in the endocrine clinic has a low T-lymphocyte count. The nurse is aware that which of the following endocrine glands plays a role in the development of T-lymphocytes?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The thymus, an endocrine gland, secretes thymosin to mature T-lymphocytes, critical for immunity, peaking in youth and shrinking with age. Thyroid regulates metabolism via thyroxine, not immunity. Pituitary controls other glands (e.g., via ACTH), not T-cell development. Pancreas manages glucose (insulin/glucagon), not lymphocytes. Thymus' role in T-cell maturation distinguishes it, essential for adaptive immunity, unlike metabolic or regulatory glands.
Question 5 of 5
How many hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The posterior pituitary releases two hormones antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin produced by hypothalamic neurons and transported via axons. It doesn't synthesize hormones itself, unlike the anterior pituitary (e.g., six hormones). 'Zero' ignores storage/release, and 'six' overestimates. This dual role distinguishes posterior pituitary function, key to water balance and reproduction, contrasting with anterior synthesis.