Past Exam Questions

Question 1

What is meant by the term endocrine?

Answer 1

A ductless gland that produces hormones, which are released directly into the bloodstream

Question 2

Name a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland

Answer 2

Growth hormone

Question 3

What is the function of growth hormone?

Answer 3

Causes body cells to absorb amino acids and form protein thus causing growth and the elongation of bones

Question 4

Name an organ in the human both which has both an exocrine and endocrine function?

Answer 4

Pancreas

Question 5

What substance is secreted by the pancreas in relation to its endocrine role

Answer 5

Insulin

Question 6

What endocrine tissue of the pancreas produces insulin?

Answer 6

Islets of Langerhans

Question 7

What is the site of activation for insulin?

Answer 7

Body cells

Question 8

What is the role of insulin?

Answer 8

Absorption of glucose from blood

Regulates blood sugar levels

Question 9

Describe how a feedback mechanism works in the human endocrine system

Answer 9

Production or inhibition of one hormone stimulates or inhibits the production of itself or another hormone
i.e. The correct level of one item has a negative effect on a pervious step in the cycle

Question 10

Give two examples of the use of hormone supplements

Answer 10

Supplementing insulin in diabetics

The use of anabolic steroids to increase the amount of muscle in beef cattle

Question 11

What term is used for glands that secrete hormones?

Answer 11

Endocrine

Question 12

How do endocrine glands differ from those that do not secrete hormones?

Answer 12

Endocrine glands are ductless

Question 13

Why can the pancreas by described as a dual-function gland?

Answer 13

It has an endocrine and exocrine function

Question 14

What is the chemical nature of many hormones?

Answer 14

Protein

Question 15

State the precise location of the gland which secretes thyroxine.

Answer 15

Thyroid gland in the throat

Question 16

State the function of thyroxine

Answer 16

Controls the rate of all the body’s reactions, i.e. it controls metabolism

Question 17

Give a thyroxine deficiency symptom

Answer 17

Myxoedema: reduced metabolic rate which is seen as tiredness, lack of energy, slow mental and physical activity and weight gain caused by the build up of fluid under the skin
Goitre: swelling of the thyroid gland

Question 18

Give a symptom of excess secretion of thyroxine

Answer 18

Graves’ disease: Increased metabolic rate which causes bulging eyes, hunger, loss of weight, heat production, nervousness, irritability and anxiety

Question 19

Give a corrective measure for thyroxine deficiency

Answer 19

‘Heel test’ is carried out on new born babies which tests for low thyroxine levels, thyroxine is then administered if necessary
Thyroxine tablets or iodine can be taken by adults to prevent myxoedema

Question 20

Give a corrective measure for thyroxine excess

Answer 20

Surgically removing part of the thyroid or by killing part of the gland using radioactive iodine

Question 21

What is a hormone?

Answer 21

A chemical messenger produced by an endocrine gland and carried by the bloodstream to another part of the body, where is has a specific effect