Which of the following glands can be classified as an endocrine and exocrine gland?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pancreas. The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. It secretes digestive enzymes (exocrine function) into the small intestine to aid in digestion, and it also releases hormones like insulin and glucagon (endocrine function) into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels. Rationale: 1. The thyroid gland (choice A) is solely an endocrine gland responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. 2. The thymus gland (choice B) is primarily an endocrine gland involved in immune function, producing hormones that regulate T cell development. 3. The pituitary gland (choice D) is known as the master gland and is purely endocrine, controlling various hormonal functions in the body. In summary, the pancreas uniquely exhibits both endocrine and exocrine functions, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glucagon. Glucagon stimulates gluconeogenesis in the liver by promoting the breakdown of glycogen stores into glucose. Insulin, choice A, actually inhibits gluconeogenesis by promoting glucose uptake and storage. Growth hormone, choice B, primarily affects protein synthesis and growth rather than directly stimulating gluconeogenesis. Estrogen, choice D, is not directly involved in regulating gluconeogenesis in the liver. Therefore, based on its specific function in promoting glucose production in the liver, glucagon is the correct answer.

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.

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).

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.