The basal metabolism rate can reflect dysfunction of the:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thyroid regulates basal metabolic rate (BMR) via thyroxine and T₃, setting energy expenditure. Dysfunction (e.g., hypothyroidism) lowers BMR; hyperthyroidism raises it. Pituitary affects BMR indirectly via TSH, not directly. Parathyroid controls calcium, not metabolism. Adrenal (cortisol) influences glucose, not baseline BMR. Thyroid's direct metabolic impact distinguishes it, critical for energy homeostasis, unlike secondary or unrelated glands.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Glucagon, from pancreatic alpha cells, raises blood glucose via glycogenolysis (breaking glycogen into glucose in the liver), gluconeogenesis (forming glucose from non-carbs), and liver glucose release countering insulin. Glucose transport into cells is insulin's role, not glucagon's it mobilizes, not stores. All three (glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, release) apply, but single-option format favors glycogenolysis as primary. Its glucose-mobilizing action distinguishes it, key to fasting glucose maintenance, unlike cellular uptake.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The anterior pituitary synthesizes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to regulate thyroid function. ADH and oxytocin are made in the hypothalamus, stored/released by the posterior pituitary, and cortisol is an adrenal hormone, not pituitary-derived. TSH's production site distinguishes it, crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolic control, contrasting with stored or peripheral hormones.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys, one per side, producing hormones like cortisol and epinephrine. The thyroid is neck-based, liver below kidneys, and hypothalamus in the brain not adjacent. This renal positioning distinguishes adrenal anatomy, vital for stress and metabolic regulation, integrating with kidney function in endocrine control.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alpha cells in the pancreas produce glucagon to raise blood glucose. Autoimmune targeting would impair glucagon, not somatostatin (delta cells), pancreatic polypeptide (PP cells), or insulin (beta cells). Glucagon's direct link to alpha cells distinguishes it, critical for glucose counterregulation, contrasting with other pancreatic hormones.