The posterior pituitary stores and releases:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The posterior pituitary stores and releases oxytocin (labor, lactation) and ADH (water balance), both hypothalamic-made. Growth hormone and prolactin are anterior pituitary products, not stored posteriorly. Prolactin isn't posterior oxytocin fits. ADH with GH mixes lobes incorrectly. Oxytocin-ADH pairing distinguishes neurohypophyseal function, critical for hypothalamic delivery, unlike anterior hormones.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Excess pituitary growth hormone post-puberty, when epiphyseal plates are closed, causes acromegaly bone thickening, not height increase (gigantism, pre-closure). Tetany is calcium-related, kidney failure unrelated. Acromegaly's post-growth distinction is key, critical for diagnosing pituitary disorders, contrasting with pre-pubertal effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Homeostasis maintains the body's stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, glucose) via mechanisms like negative feedback, not feedback itself or metabolism (energy processes). Positive feedback amplifies changes. Homeostasis's stabilizing role distinguishes it, key to physiological balance, integrating endocrine and nervous systems.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The posterior pituitary stores and releases oxytocin and ADH, made by the hypothalamus, for labor/fluid balance. Anterior pituitary produces GH, TSH, prolactin, FSH; adrenals make glucocorticoids/androgens. Oxytocin-ADH storage distinguishes its role, key to neurohypophyseal function, contrasting with synthesis sites.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland, at 5-8 mm in the brain's epithalamus, is the smallest endocrine gland, producing melatonin for sleep regulation. The pituitary (larger, pea-sized) controls other glands, parotid (salivary) and Ebner's (tongue) are exocrine not endocrine. Pineal's diminutive size and endocrine role distinguish it, vital for circadian rhythms, contrasting with larger or ducted glands.