Which of the following is descriptive of prolactin?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Prolactin is also called lactogenic hormone, as it promotes milk production in the mammary glands. 2. Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, not the posterior pituitary gland. 3. Milk let-down reflex is primarily controlled by oxytocin, not prolactin. 4. Prolactin does not stimulate the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary) to synthesize oxytocin. Summary: Choice B is correct because it accurately describes the function of prolactin in promoting lactation. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect due to inaccuracies in the functions and secretion of prolactin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because beta cells of the islets of Langerhans are specialized pancreatic cells that secrete insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, lowering blood sugar levels. Choice A is incorrect because the hormone-secreting cells of the adrenal cortex are called adrenal cortical cells, not beta cells. Choice C is incorrect as releasing hormones are typically secreted by the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary gland. Choice D is incorrect because steroids are primarily secreted by the adrenal cortex, not the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thyroid. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the throat, just below the Adam's apple. It is responsible for producing thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and various bodily functions. The pituitary gland (A) is located in the brain, the pineal gland (B) is located in the brain as well, and the hypothalamus (C) is also in the brain. These glands play crucial roles in hormone regulation, but they are not located at the base of the throat like the thyroid gland.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are released by the adrenal glands during stressful situations to trigger the 'fight-or-flight' response. They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy production to prepare the body for action. Insulin and glucagon (B) regulate blood sugar levels. Estrogen and progesterone (C) are female sex hormones. Thyroxin and melatonin (D) are involved in metabolism and sleep regulation, respectively. Therefore, only A directly relates to the physiological response of 'fight-or-flight'.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: pancreas. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is located near the stomach and plays a crucial role in the endocrine system. The other choices (B: adrenal glands, C: thyroid gland, D: pituitary gland) do not produce insulin. Adrenal glands produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine, and the pituitary gland produces various hormones that regulate other endocrine glands. Therefore, the pancreas is the only gland among the options that produces insulin, making it the correct answer.