The cluster of cells in the pancreas that secrete hormones are:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Islets of Langerhans. These clusters of cells in the pancreas are responsible for secreting hormones such as insulin and glucagon. Islets of Langerhans contain different types of cells that regulate blood sugar levels. Nodules (A), pancreatic medulla (C), and pancreatic cortex (D) are not associated with hormone secretion in the pancreas. Nodules are more general and not specific to the pancreas, while pancreatic medulla and cortex do not house the endocrine cells responsible for hormone secretion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Acromegaly. Excessive growth hormone in adults leads to acromegaly, characterized by enlargement of bones and tissues. This occurs because the growth plates have already closed in adults, preventing the elongation of bones seen in gigantism (choice A). Tetany (choice B) is caused by low calcium levels, not growth hormone. Kidney failure (choice C) is not directly related to excessive growth hormone.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: low levels of calcium in the blood. Parathyroid hormone is released in response to low blood calcium levels to help increase calcium levels by promoting its release from bones and enhancing its absorption in the intestines. This response helps maintain calcium homeostasis. TSH from the posterior pituitary gland (choice A) is not related to parathyroid hormone release. High levels of calcium in the blood (choice B) would not stimulate parathyroid hormone release as it is released in response to low calcium levels. Calcitonin from the anterior pituitary gland (choice C) actually works in opposition to parathyroid hormone by promoting calcium deposition in bones and decreasing blood calcium levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because glucocorticoids inhibit the inflammatory response by suppressing the immune system. Glucocorticoids reduce inflammation by blocking the production of inflammatory substances like prostaglandins and cytokines. This effect is only observed in large amounts of glucocorticoids. Choices A, B, and C are not produced exclusively by large amounts of glucocorticoids. Normal responsiveness of fat depots to norepinephrine and maintenance of normal vascular reactivity are not directly related to glucocorticoids in large amounts. Increased excretion of a water load is more influenced by other factors such as hydration status and renal function.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because peptide hormones are hydrophilic molecules that cannot pass through the cell membrane, so they bind to receptors on the cell surface to initiate signaling pathways within the cell. Therefore, they are unable to enter the target cell like lipid-soluble hormones do. By binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, peptide hormones trigger a series of events that ultimately lead to a cellular response. Therefore, all of the given statements are true, making D the correct choice.