The anterior pituitary gland receives hormone messages from the hypothalamus via ________.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: a capillary network. The hypothalamus secretes hormones into the capillary network called the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system. These hormones travel directly to the anterior pituitary gland to regulate the release of its own hormones. Choice B is incorrect because neurons do not directly connect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Choice C is incorrect because Schwann cells are involved in myelination of peripheral nerves, not hormone transport. Choice D is incorrect because although both options A and B involve communication between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, it is specifically the capillary network that carries hormone messages in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: nervous system. The endocrine system regulates processes through hormones, while the nervous system controls body functions through electrical impulses. Both systems work together to maintain homeostasis. The other choices are incorrect because the immune system focuses on defense against pathogens, the circulatory system transports nutrients and oxygen, and the respiratory system facilitates gas exchange. Only the nervous system aligns with regulating body functions alongside the endocrine system.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: primary overproduction of ACTH (Cushing disease). In this case, the symptoms match those of Cushing syndrome, which is characterized by excess cortisol production. The increased ACTH levels are indicative of the pituitary gland overproducing ACTH, leading to excess cortisol. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not match the symptoms presented. Choice D is incorrect because exogenous glucocorticoids would not lead to increased ACTH levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because during late puberty, the production of sex hormones by the gonads significantly outweighs the production of gonadocorticoids by the adrenal gland. This is due to the maturation and increased activity of the gonads during this developmental stage. Rationale: A: Synthesized by the adrenal medulla are primarily catecholamines, not androgens. C: Secretion inhibition of gonadocorticoids is primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, not solely by a negative feedback loop involving ACTH. D: Hypersecretion of gonadocorticoids can lead to conditions like Cushing's syndrome, not adrenogenital syndrome or feminization.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: bones and skeletal muscles. Growth hormone primarily targets these tissues to promote growth and development. Growth hormone stimulates bone growth by acting on bone cells and increasing protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, leading to muscle growth. The other choices are incorrect because growth hormone does not directly target blood vessels, adrenal glands, or the liver for growth-promoting effects. Growth hormone primarily affects bone and muscle tissues for growth and repair.