Which of the pairs of hormones BOTH increase blood sugar?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, glucagon and epinephrine. Glucagon stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, has a similar effect by promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Insulin (choice A) decreases blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells. Growth hormone (choice B) mainly affects growth and metabolism but doesn't directly increase blood sugar. Antidiuretic hormone (choice D) regulates water balance and has no direct effect on blood sugar levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: pancreas. The pancreas has both endocrine (produces hormones like insulin and glucagon) and exocrine (produces digestive enzymes) functions. This dual role makes it unique among the other options. The anterior pituitary (A) is purely endocrine, producing hormones like growth hormone. The thyroid (B) primarily functions as an endocrine gland, producing hormones like thyroxine. The adrenal medulla (C) is also solely endocrine, secreting hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. Therefore, the pancreas is the only organ among the choices that performs both endocrine and exocrine functions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Certainly! The secretion of oxytocin is increased by the dilation of the cervix. When the cervix dilates during childbirth, it triggers the release of oxytocin from the posterior pituitary gland. This hormone plays a crucial role in stimulating uterine contractions during labor and delivery. Milk ejection (choice A) is primarily regulated by oxytocin but does not directly increase its secretion. Increased prolactin levels (choice C) stimulate milk production, not oxytocin secretion. Increased extracellular fluid (ECF) volume (choice D) is not directly related to oxytocin secretion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: direct control of the nervous system. Hormonal stimuli typically target specific cells or tissues to elicit a response, such as changes in membrane potential, genetic events leading to protein synthesis, or an increase in enzymatic activity. Hormones do not directly control the nervous system, as the nervous system operates independently and responds to its own set of stimuli. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it does not align with the typical effects of hormonal stimulation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all changes that can be caused by hormonal stimuli.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the heart. Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) is synthesized and released by the atrial cells of the heart in response to stretching of the atrial wall due to increased blood volume or pressure. ANP functions to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance by promoting natriuresis and vasodilation. The kidney (choice B) is responsible for filtering blood and regulating electrolyte balance, but it does not synthesize ANP. The skin (choice C) is involved in thermoregulation and vitamin D synthesis, not ANP production. The spleen (choice D) plays a role in immune function and blood storage, but it does not synthesize ANP.