The endocrine system works together with the ________ system to maintain the body’s equilibrium?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: nervous system. The endocrine system and nervous system work together in maintaining the body's equilibrium through communication and regulation of bodily functions. The nervous system controls rapid responses, while the endocrine system regulates slower, long-term responses through hormones. The digestive system (A) primarily focuses on breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. The respiratory system (C) is responsible for gas exchange. The reproductive system (D) is involved in reproduction and hormone production, but not in maintaining the body's equilibrium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pancreas. The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It secretes digestive enzymes (exocrine function) into the small intestine to aid in digestion, and it also releases hormones like insulin and glucagon (endocrine function) into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. Rationale: 1. The thyroid gland (choice A) is solely an endocrine gland responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. 2. The thymus gland (choice B) is primarily an endocrine gland involved in immune function, producing hormones that regulate T cell development. 3. The pituitary gland (choice D) is known as the master gland and is purely endocrine, controlling various hormonal functions in the body. In summary, the pancreas uniquely exhibits both endocrine and exocrine functions, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body by secreting various hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other essential bodily functions. It is located at the base of the brain and plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance. Explanation for other choices: A: Adrenal gland primarily regulates stress response and metabolism. B: Liver is not an endocrine gland; it is involved in metabolism and detoxification. C: Pancreas is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels through insulin and glucagon secretion but is not known as the master gland.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucagon. Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis in the liver by promoting the breakdown of glycogen stores into glucose. Insulin, choice A, actually inhibits gluconeogenesis by promoting glucose uptake and storage. Growth hormone, choice B, primarily affects protein synthesis and growth rather than directly stimulating gluconeogenesis. Estrogen, choice D, is not directly involved in regulating gluconeogenesis in the liver. Therefore, based on its specific function in promoting glucose production in the liver, glucagon is the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Prolactin is the correct answer because it is the hormone responsible for milk production in the mammary glands. It is secreted by the pituitary gland in response to the suckling stimulus from the baby. Prolactin stimulates the alveoli in the mammary glands to produce milk. Somatotropin (A), luteinizing hormone (C), and follicle-stimulating hormone (D) do not play a direct role in milk production. Somatotropin is involved in growth, luteinizing hormone is involved in ovulation, and follicle-stimulating hormone is involved in the development of ovarian follicles.