ATI RN
Exam Questions on Endocrine System Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which endocrine gland is known as the master gland?
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.
Question 2 of 5
Which hormone is responsible for milk production in the mammary glands?
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.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents with a bump on his neck. Upon taking a tissue sample, there appears to be parafollicular cells. The tumor is also associated with MEN II, although most of the time it is sporadic. What is the best way to moniter treatment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The parafollicular cells in the tissue sample indicate a tumor of the thyroid gland, likely medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II (MEN II). MTC primarily secretes calcitonin. Monitoring Calcitonin levels is crucial for assessing disease progression and treatment response in MTC. Measuring Thyroid Hormone Levels (A) would not be specific for MTC. Iodine Levels (B) are not relevant in this context. TSH Levels (C) reflect pituitary feedback and are not specific to MTC. Therefore, the best way to monitor treatment in this case is to measure Calcitonin Levels (D).
Question 4 of 5
A 32-year-old woman presents with a blood pressure of 155/96 mm Hg. In response to questioning, she admits that she loves licorice and eats some at least three times a week. She probably has a low level of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: type 2 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin, which inhibits this enzyme, leading to increased levels of cortisol and mineralocorticoids. This explains the elevated blood pressure in the patient. Choice B, ACTH, is incorrect because licorice consumption does not directly affect ACTH levels. Choice C, 11β-hydroxylase activity, is incorrect as licorice does not impact this enzyme directly. Choice D, glucocorticoid transferase, is also incorrect as licorice does not affect this enzyme's activity.
Question 5 of 5
Androgens are produced by the _______.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: testes. Androgens, such as testosterone, are male sex hormones primarily produced by the testes. The testes contain specialized cells called Leydig cells that secrete androgens. Ovaries (A) produce female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The hypothalamus (C) regulates hormone production through the pituitary gland but does not directly produce androgens. Islets of Langerhans (D) are clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, not androgens.