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Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Divisions Of The Nervous System
Which of the following is not a function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Stimulation of digestion/peristalsis
Dilation of bronchi
Breakdown of glycogen to glucose
Dilation of pupils
Acceleration of heartbeat
Stimulation of digestion/peristalsis
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's "fight-or-flight" response. Physiological changes produced by the sympathetic nervous system include accelerated heartbeat, dilated bronchi and pupils, glucose breakdown, and inhibited digestion. As a result, when the sympathetic nervous system is active, digestion and its associated involuntary contractions are inhibited—not stimulated.
Example Question #2 : Understanding The Sympathetic And Parasympathetic Divisions
Fight or flight is a decision that all animals must make when confronted with a threat. Regardless of which one, an animal chooses, it will activate the sympathetic nervous system, instead of the parasympathetic nervous system. Which of the the following answers contain actions that will happen in a fight or flight situation?
Constricts pupils, secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, and contracts bronchi
Dilated pupils, accelerated heart rate, relaxed bladder
Relaxed skeletal muscle, inhibited digestive activity, dilated pupils
Constricted pupils, accelerated heart rate, contracted bladder
Contracted bladder, relaxed bronchi, simulated salivation
Dilated pupils, accelerated heart rate, relaxed bladder
"Dilated pupils, accelerated heart rate, relaxed bladder" is the correct answer here because it is the only choice is entirely comprised of sympathetic nervous system actions. Some red herrings in the other answers is the fact that constricted pupils is a parasympathetic action, as is stimulation of the salivary gland.
Example Question #13 : Divisions Of The Nervous System
Upon being approached by a bear in the wilderness, you notice your heart beat faster. Which part of the nervous system is responsible for this feeling?
Somatic nervous system
Enteric nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system is one branch of the autonomic nervous system in the body. The autonomic nervous system is not under conscious control. The sympathetic system is responsible for our "fight or flight" response. An increase in heart rate when presented with the dangers of being around a bear is due to the sympathetic nervous system. The increase in heart rate is your body's way of increasing blood supply to the body to help you escape ("flight") from the bear and return to safety.
Example Question #1 : Endocrine System
Growth hormone (GH) stimulates the growth of bone and other tissues in the human body. The hypothalamus is very important in the release of GH through the release of growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), which causes release of GH from another endocrine gland.
From which endocrine gland is growth hormone (GH) released?
Anterior pituitary
Pancreas
Thyroid
Posterior pituitary
Anterior pituitary
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) causes release of growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary.
The posterior pituitary is responsible for antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin release. The thyroid releases thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which control metabolic rates. The pancreas releases glucagon and insulin to control blood sugar levels.
Example Question #2 : Endocrine System
Which endocrine gland in the brain regulates the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary?
Thyroid gland
Posterior pituitary
Hypothalamus
Pineal gland
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus releases hormones that control the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary, which in turn controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands. The anterior pituitary is also controlled by several negative feedback systems based on hormones released throughout the body and their effects.
Example Question #3 : Endocrine System
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are both released from the anterior pituitary. The hypothalamus regulates their release through release of __________.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH)
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), released from the hypothalamus, is responsible for regulating follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone release. Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) regulates release of growth hormone (GH), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) regulates adrenocorticotropic hormone (ATCH) release from the anterior pituitary. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released from the anterior pituitary and stimulates release of T3 and T4 from the thyroid.
Example Question #4 : Endocrine System
Which of these hormones stimulates secretion of cortisol?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Cortisone
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Human growth hormone (hGH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex is first stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone, which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland.
Example Question #5 : Endocrine System
The hypothalamus plays a central role in vertebrates by integrating the endocrine and nervous systems. What gland receives signals from the hypothalamus?
Adrenal gland
Thyroid gland
Pineal gland
Pituitary gland
Pituitary gland
Signals from the hypothalamus go to the posterior pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the hypothalamus. The pituitary consists of two lobes (anterior and posterior), which function independently. The anterior and posterior pituitary produce a collection of hormones that are key to endocrine signaling throughout the body.
The posterior pituitary stores and secretes two hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin), while the anterior pituitary produces six different hormones (growth hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The posterior pituitary will only secrete hormones when stimulated by the hypothalamus.
Example Question #6 : Endocrine System
Which of the following hormones is released from the anterior pituitary?
Prolactin
Cortisol
Epinephrine
Glucagon
Insulin
Prolactin
The anterior pituitary gland contains endocrine cells that release hormones through the hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis. Prolactin controls milk production and contributes to regulation of the immune system. Of the listed hormones, prolactin is the only hormone released from the anterior pituitary.
Insulin and glucagon are secreted by the pancreas. Cortisol is released by the adrenal cortex; epinephrine is released by the adrenal medulla.
Example Question #2 : Endocrine System
Which of the following hormones is not secreted by the pituitary gland?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Follicle-stimulating hormone
Growth hormone
Melatonin
Prolactin
Melatonin
Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland, which is also in the brain. The function of melatonin is not yet certain, but current research hints that it plays functions in regulation of the circadian rhythm. All other hormones are indeed secreted by the pituitary gland.
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