Which hormone from the anterior pituitary gland regulates the release of corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal cortex?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from anterior pituitary stimulates adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids (e.g., cortisol) stress axis. TSH (thyroid-stimulating) targets thyroid, not adrenal. FSH (follicle-stimulating) and LH (luteinizing) regulate gonads, not cortex. ACTH's adrenal control distinguishes it, key to HPA axis and corticosteroid production, unlike thyroid or gonadal hormones.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A hormone is a chemical produced by an endocrine gland, released into the bloodstream, and transported to distant target cells where it regulates physiological processes, like insulin from the pancreas controlling blood glucose elsewhere. Duct transport fits exocrine glands (e.g., sweat), not hormones. Many effects apply to some hormones (e.g., cortisol), but it's not definitive specificity matters. Gland secretion is true but incomplete transport and action define hormones, not just origin. The full description captures hormones' endocrine nature, distinguishing them from local or ducted secretions, key to their systemic regulatory role.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Oxytocin and ADH (vasopressin), synthesized in the hypothalamus, are stored and released from the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis), regulating childbirth, lactation, and water balance. Adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) produces hormones like ACTH, not storing these. Kidneys respond to ADH, not store it. Posterior pituitary's neural extension role distinguishes it, critical for hypothalamic hormone delivery, unlike glandular or target organs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) targets kidneys (Ca²⁺ reabsorption), bones (Ca²⁺ release), and intestines (via vitamin D for Ca²⁺ uptake) to raise blood calcium. Muscles aren't direct targets PTH doesn't alter their function, though low calcium from PTH absence causes tetany indirectly. 'None' is incorrect PTH affects listed organs. Muscles' exclusion distinguishes them, key to PTH's calcium-focused action, unlike regulated sites.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The pancreas is both endocrine (islets secrete insulin/glucagon into blood) and exocrine (acinar cells release digestive enzymes via ducts). Adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid are purely endocrine, secreting hormones (e.g., cortisol, GH, thyroxine) into blood, no ducts. Pancreas' dual role regulating glucose and aiding digestion distinguishes it, vital for metabolic and digestive integration, unlike single-function glands.