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Hypothalamus, Pituitary & Pancreas - MCAT Practice Questions

The hypothalamus is often called the "master regulator" of the endocrine system because it directly controls:
The release of hormones from the posterior pituitary and anterior pituitary






Which hypothalamic hormone travels through the hypophyseal portal system to stimulate the release of FSH and LH from the anterior pituitary?
GnRH






The function of GHRH (Growth hormone-releasing hormone) is to stimulate the anterior pituitary to release:
GH






The hypothalamic hormone that ultimately leads to the stimulation of metabolism is:
TRH






Prolactin-release inhibiting factor is also known as Dopamine. What is its effect on the anterior pituitary?
It inhibits the release of Prolactin






Which hormone released by the anterior pituitary is a tropic hormone that stimulates the production and release of cortisol?
ACTH






In females, the primary function of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is to:
Induce ovulation






In males, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is required to:
Trigger spermatogenesis and stimulate Sertoli cells






Growth Hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is a direct hormone released by the anterior pituitary with the primary function of:
Stimulating growth and cell reproduction






Which hormone is released from the anterior pituitary and functions to decrease pain?
Endorphins






Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary. Its effect on plasma osmolarity is to:
Decrease plasma osmolarity






Oxytocin, released by the posterior pituitary, stimulates:
Uterine contractions and breast milk production (ejection)






The posterior pituitary is structurally and functionally different from the anterior pituitary because:
It only releases hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus (ADH and Oxytocin)






Which anterior pituitary hormone primarily stimulates the production of T4 and T3 to increase the basal metabolic rate?
TSH






The pancreas secretes its digestive enzymes into the:
Duodenum






Glucagon, the hormone responsible for increasing blood glucose levels, is released from which specific cells in the pancreas?
Alpha-islet cells






Insulin, the hormone that promotes glucose uptake by cells, is released from which specific cells in the pancreas?
Beta-islet cells






In Type 1 Diabetes, the main pathological problem is:
Insufficient or absent insulin production






In Type 2 Diabetes, the chronic condition is characterized by:
Insulin receptors becoming desensitized (insulin resistance)






Both insulin and glucagon are classified as which type of hormone, based on their molecular structure?
Peptide hormones