The release of ACTH from the pituitary stimulates the release of:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from the anterior pituitary stimulates the adrenal cortex's zona fasciculata to release cortisol, a glucocorticoid for stress and metabolism. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid, comes from zona glomerulosa, regulated by renin-angiotensin, not ACTH. Epinephrine is medullary, not ACTH-driven. Renin, from kidneys, isn't pituitary-stimulated. Cortisol's ACTH dependency distinguishes it, key to stress response, unlike electrolyte or medullary outputs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Polydipsia (excessive thirst) is a diabetes mellitus symptom, driven by hyperglycemia dehydrating cells, triggering thirst. 'Glyconemia' isn't a term hyperglycemia is correct, but not listed. Weight gain contrasts with typical loss from glucose wasting. Hypoglycemia isn't characteristic high glucose defines it. Polydipsia's link to osmotic diuresis distinguishes it, key to diabetes recognition, unlike misnamed or opposing signs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Post-subtotal thyroidectomy, removing most thyroid tissue, the nurse monitors hypothyroidism (low T₃/T₄) and the nearby parathyroid glands, embedded in the thyroid, which regulate calcium via parathyroid hormone (PTH). Surgical disruption risks hypoparathyroidism, causing hypocalcemia (e.g., tetany). Pituitary oversees TSH but isn't local or directly affected here. Pancreas (insulin) and adrenals (cortisol) are distant, unrelated to thyroid proximity. Parathyroids' anatomical closeness and calcium role distinguish them, critical for post-surgical care, unlike systemic or distant glands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Endocrine glands produce hormones chemical messengers like insulin or cortisol that enter the bloodstream, targeting distant organs to regulate processes like metabolism. Unlike exocrine glands (e.g., sweat, sebaceous) using ducts, or neurons releasing neurotransmitters into synapses, endocrine glands' blood-mediated delivery defines them. Sebaceous and sweat glands are exocrine, not endocrine. This circulatory transport distinguishes endocrine function, critical for systemic coordination, contrasting with localized synaptic or ductal mechanisms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The thyroid, anterior to the trachea and below the larynx, contains embedded parathyroids (posteriorly) and produces three hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. All statements hold: location aids surgical identification, parathyroids regulate calcium, and hormones manage metabolism/calcium. This comprehensive accuracy distinguishes thyroid anatomy/function, key to endocrine physiology.