The only endocrine glands that lay dormant during childhood to activate at puberty are the:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the ovaries and testes are the only endocrine glands that are dormant during childhood and activate at puberty to produce sex hormones. The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone in females, while the testes produce testosterone in males. This activation is essential for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions. Pancreas (choice A), adrenal glands (choice B), and thyroid gland (choice C) are all active during childhood and do not specifically activate at puberty. The pancreas regulates blood sugar levels, the adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol, and the thyroid gland regulates metabolism. Hence, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of endocrine glands that lay dormant during childhood to activate at puberty.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sweat. Sweat glands are not considered ductless glands as they secrete sweat through ducts onto the skin surface. Adrenal, Pituitary, and Thyroid glands are all ductless endocrine glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, Pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate various bodily functions, and Thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism. Therefore, sweat gland is the only option that does not fit the criteria of a ductless gland, making it the correct answer.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gigantism. Gigantism is caused by excess growth hormone production from the pituitary gland before puberty, leading to abnormal growth and height. Dwarfism (choice A) is the opposite condition, characterized by stunted growth. Goiter (choice C) is a thyroid disorder, not related to pituitary gland. Cretinism (choice D) is a condition caused by thyroid hormone deficiency, not pituitary gland disorder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because steroid hormones are lipid-soluble, allowing them to easily diffuse through the plasma membranes of target cells. Once inside the cell, they bind to intracellular receptors to regulate gene expression. Choice A is incorrect because steroid hormones do not catalyze cyclic AMP; that is a function of peptide hormones. Choice C is incorrect because steroid hormones do not enter the nucleus directly but bind to intracellular receptors in the cytoplasm. Choice D is incorrect because while steroid hormones do activate genes to transcribe mRNA for protein synthesis, the initial step involves binding to receptors in the cytoplasm, not directly activating gene transcription.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing growth hormone, also known as somatotropin. This hormone plays a key role in promoting growth, cell regeneration, and overall development. The other choices are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, the adrenal medulla produces adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to stress, and the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, the correct answer is the anterior pituitary gland as it specifically produces growth hormone.