1. Which gland is often referred to as the “master gland” of the endocrine system?
a) Thyroid
b) Pituitary
c) Adrenal
d) Pineal
Answer: b) Pituitary
Explanation: The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it regulates the function of other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, and reproductive glands.
2. Which hormone is primarily involved in regulating mood and emotional response?
a) Insulin
b) Serotonin
c) Cortisol
d) Oxytocin
Answer: b) Serotonin
Explanation: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and hormone that plays a significant role in regulating mood, emotional stability, and feelings of happiness.
3. Which hormone is released by the adrenal glands during times of stress?
a) Epinephrine
b) Insulin
c) Melatonin
d) Prolactin
Answer: a) Epinephrine
Explanation: Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) is released by the adrenal glands during stress to prepare the body for a “fight or flight” response, increasing heart rate, blood flow to muscles, and alertness.
4. The hormone oxytocin is primarily associated with:
a) Pain perception
b) Bonding and attachment
c) Sleep regulation
d) Appetite control
Answer: b) Bonding and attachment
Explanation: Oxytocin is often called the “love hormone” because it plays a key role in social bonding, trust, and attachment, particularly during childbirth and breastfeeding.
5. Which of the following is a function of cortisol?
a) It promotes sleep
b) It reduces inflammation
c) It regulates blood sugar levels
d) It stimulates growth
Answer: c) It regulates blood sugar levels
Explanation: Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” helps regulate blood sugar levels, metabolism, and the body’s response to stress.
6. What is the effect of excessive production of thyroid hormones?
a) Weight gain and fatigue
b) Hyperactivity and weight loss
c) Increased sleep and appetite
d) Decreased heart rate
Answer: b) Hyperactivity and weight loss
Explanation: Hyperthyroidism, the excessive production of thyroid hormones, leads to symptoms like increased heart rate, hyperactivity, and weight loss.
7. Which gland is responsible for regulating the body’s circadian rhythm?
a) Pineal gland
b) Adrenal gland
c) Pituitary gland
d) Thyroid gland
Answer: a) Pineal gland
Explanation: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and the body’s circadian rhythm.
8. Which of the following hormones is involved in regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle?
a) Melatonin
b) Insulin
c) Estrogen
d) Progesterone
Answer: a) Melatonin
Explanation: Melatonin, produced by the pineal gland, helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle by signaling to the body when it is time to sleep.
9. Which gland controls growth and development?
a) Adrenal gland
b) Pituitary gland
c) Thyroid gland
d) Pineal gland
Answer: b) Pituitary gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland produces growth hormone, which regulates growth and physical development in the body.
10. The release of insulin is triggered by which of the following?
a) Increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream
b) Low blood pressure
c) A decrease in heart rate
d) The presence of cortisol
Answer: a) Increased levels of glucose in the bloodstream
Explanation: Insulin is released by the pancreas when blood glucose levels rise, helping to regulate blood sugar by facilitating its uptake into cells.
11. Which hormone is responsible for the “fight or flight” response?
a) Estrogen
b) Testosterone
c) Epinephrine
d) Oxytocin
Answer: c) Epinephrine
Explanation: Epinephrine, released by the adrenal glands during stressful situations, prepares the body for immediate action in the “fight or flight” response.
12. Which endocrine disorder is associated with excessive production of growth hormone in adults?
a) Hyperthyroidism
b) Acromegaly
c) Addison’s disease
d) Cushing’s syndrome
Answer: b) Acromegaly
Explanation: Acromegaly occurs due to excessive production of growth hormone in adults, leading to abnormal growth of bones and tissues, especially in the hands, feet, and face.
13. Which of the following is an effect of chronic high levels of cortisol?
a) Increased memory and cognitive function
b) Weight loss and increased appetite
c) Anxiety, depression, and impaired immune function
d) Improved emotional stability
Answer: c) Anxiety, depression, and impaired immune function
Explanation: Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to negative psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and a weakened immune system.
14. Which hormone is associated with regulating hunger and appetite?
a) Ghrelin
b) Insulin
c) Estrogen
d) Testosterone
Answer: a) Ghrelin
Explanation: Ghrelin is a hormone produced in the stomach that stimulates hunger and increases appetite, signaling the body when it needs food.
15. Which gland regulates metabolism by releasing thyroid hormones?
a) Adrenal gland
b) Thyroid gland
c) Pituitary gland
d) Pancreas
Answer: b) Thyroid gland
Explanation: The thyroid gland releases hormones like thyroxine that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and overall growth and development.
16. Testosterone has a significant effect on which of the following?
a) Mood regulation and aggression
b) Sleep patterns
c) Digestive processes
d) Calcium absorption
Answer: a) Mood regulation and aggression
Explanation: Testosterone influences mood, aggression, and libido, and it plays a role in muscle growth and physical characteristics related to masculinity.
17. Estrogen plays an important role in which of the following?
a) Stress response
b) Sleep regulation
c) Reproductive functions and mood regulation
d) Bone density regulation
Answer: c) Reproductive functions and mood regulation
Explanation: Estrogen is essential for regulating reproductive functions, and it also influences mood and emotional well-being, especially in women.
18. What is the primary function of the adrenal glands?
a) Regulate reproductive hormones
b) Secrete digestive enzymes
c) Produce hormones involved in stress response
d) Maintain blood glucose levels
Answer: c) Produce hormones involved in stress response
Explanation: The adrenal glands produce hormones like epinephrine and cortisol that are crucial for the body’s response to stress and emergency situations.
19. The secretion of insulin is regulated by which of the following conditions?
a) High blood glucose levels
b) Low blood glucose levels
c) Stress
d) Emotional distress
Answer: a) High blood glucose levels
Explanation: Insulin is secreted by the pancreas when blood glucose levels are elevated, helping to lower blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
20. What psychological effect is most commonly associated with the hormone oxytocin?
a) Increased anxiety
b) Reduced emotional bonding
c) Increased trust and social bonding
d) Decreased emotional expression
Answer: c) Increased trust and social bonding
Explanation: Oxytocin is known to enhance trust, social bonding, and emotional connections, particularly in intimate relationships and during childbirth.
21. Which hormone is involved in regulating the body’s response to stress and inflammation?
a) Adrenaline
b) Cortisol
c) Melatonin
d) Progesterone
Answer: b) Cortisol
Explanation: Cortisol helps regulate the body’s response to stress and is involved in controlling inflammation, blood sugar levels, and metabolism.
22. Which of the following hormones is involved in controlling sexual desire and reproduction?
a) Cortisol
b) Insulin
c) Estrogen and Testosterone
d) Melatonin
Answer: c) Estrogen and Testosterone
Explanation: Estrogen and testosterone are key hormones in regulating sexual desire and reproductive functions in both males and females.
23. A deficiency in which hormone can lead to hypothyroidism, causing symptoms like fatigue and weight gain?
a) Thyroxine
b) Adrenaline
c) Insulin
d) Estrogen
Answer: a) Thyroxine
Explanation: A deficiency in thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, can lead to hypothyroidism, resulting in fatigue, weight gain, and slow metabolism.
24. The hormone prolactin is responsible for:
a) Regulating sleep-wake cycles
b) Stimulating milk production
c) Regulating blood sugar levels
d) Stimulating growth hormone release
Answer: b) Stimulating milk production
Explanation: Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production in females after childbirth.
25. Which hormone is linked to the regulation of sleep-wake cycles and seasonal affective disorder?
a) Melatonin
b) Insulin
c) Adrenaline
d) Serotonin
Answer: a) Melatonin
Explanation: Melatonin regulates the sleep-wake cycle and is also implicated in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which occurs due to changes in light exposure during certain times of the year.
26. What is the role of the hormone adrenaline in the body?
a) It increases digestion
b) It triggers the “fight or flight” response
c) It reduces inflammation
d) It promotes sleep
Answer: b) It triggers the “fight or flight” response
Explanation: Adrenaline, or epinephrine, is released by the adrenal glands during stress, triggering physiological changes like increased heart rate and heightened alertness, preparing the body for quick action.
27. What does the hormone ghrelin primarily affect?
a) Sleep-wake cycle
b) Appetite
c) Blood glucose levels
d) Emotional regulation
Answer: b) Appetite
Explanation: Ghrelin is known as the “hunger hormone” because it stimulates appetite and promotes feelings of hunger.
28. Which endocrine disorder is characterized by the overproduction of cortisol?
a) Addison’s disease
b) Cushing’s syndrome
c) Graves’ disease
d) Diabetes mellitus
Answer: b) Cushing’s syndrome
Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by prolonged high levels of cortisol in the body, leading to symptoms like weight gain, muscle weakness, and mood swings.
29. Which hormone is responsible for the regulation of blood calcium levels?
a) Parathyroid hormone
b) Cortisol
c) Insulin
d) Estrogen
Answer: a) Parathyroid hormone
Explanation: Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium levels in the blood, influencing bone health and muscle function.
30. Which hormone is critical for the body’s response to stress and is linked to “fight or flight” reactions?
a) Cortisol
b) Melatonin
c) Serotonin
d) Thyroxine
Answer: a) Cortisol
Explanation: Cortisol is involved in the body’s stress response, influencing the immune system and metabolism during stressful situations.
These MCQs cover a variety of topics related to the endocrine system and its psychological effects. Each question comes with an explanation to enhance understanding.
