Test your knowledge with 20 MCQs on the Endocrine System | Structure, Functions & Disorders of Major Glands
Test your knowledge of the endocrine system with 20 MCQs on major glands like the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreas, gonads, and pineal. Perfect for competitive exams and academic learning!
1. Which of the following is NOT an endocrine gland?
A) Thyroid
B) Adrenal
C) Pancreas
D) Salivary gland
✅ Answer: D) Salivary gland
🧠 Explanation: The salivary gland is an exocrine gland that secretes saliva into the mouth, unlike endocrine glands, which release hormones into the bloodstream.
2. What is the primary function of the endocrine system?
A) To regulate body temperature
B) To produce and secrete hormones
C) To filter waste from the blood
D) To transport oxygen
✅ Answer: B) To produce and secrete hormones
🧠 Explanation: The endocrine system releases hormones that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and homeostasis.
3. Which hormone is produced by the thyroid gland?
A) Insulin
B) Cortisol
C) Thyroxine (T4)
D) Testosterone
✅ Answer: C) Thyroxine (T4)
🧠 Explanation: The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and energy production.
4. What condition results from an underactive thyroid gland?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Hypothyroidism
C) Addison’s disease
D) Cushing’s syndrome
✅ Answer: B) Hypothyroidism
🧠 Explanation: Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and slow metabolism.
5. The adrenal glands are located:
A) In the brain
B) On top of the kidneys
C) Behind the stomach
D) In the neck
✅ Answer: B) On top of the kidneys
🧠 Explanation: The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys and release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help regulate stress and metabolism.
6. Which hormone is known as the “stress hormone”?
A) Insulin
B) Estrogen
C) Cortisol
D) Melatonin
✅ Answer: C) Cortisol
🧠 Explanation: Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands, helps the body respond to stress by increasing blood sugar and metabolism.
7. Addison’s disease is caused by a deficiency in which hormone?
A) Insulin
B) Cortisol
C) Growth hormone
D) Thyroxine
✅ Answer: B) Cortisol
🧠 Explanation: Addison’s disease occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol, leading to fatigue, low blood pressure, and weight loss.
8. The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. Which hormone does it produce?
A) Adrenaline
B) Growth hormone
C) Insulin
D) Oxytocin
✅ Answer: C) Insulin
🧠 Explanation: The pancreas produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
9. What is the main disorder associated with insulin deficiency?
A) Hypothyroidism
B) Diabetes mellitus
C) Cushing’s syndrome
D) Addison’s disease
✅ Answer: B) Diabetes mellitus
🧠 Explanation: Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin (Type 1) or becomes resistant to insulin (Type 2), leading to high blood sugar levels.
10. Which gland is often referred to as the "master gland"?
A) Thyroid
B) Adrenal
C) Pituitary
D) Pancreas
✅ Answer: C) Pituitary
🧠 Explanation: The pituitary gland is called the "master gland" because it controls many other endocrine glands by secreting hormones like growth hormone and ACTH.
11. Which hormone stimulates growth in children and adolescents?
A) Thyroxine
B) Cortisol
C) Growth hormone
D) Estrogen
✅ Answer: C) Growth hormone
🧠 Explanation: The pituitary gland produces growth hormone (GH), which promotes physical growth in children and adolescents.
12. The pineal gland is responsible for regulating:
A) Digestion
B) Sleep-wake cycles
C) Blood sugar levels
D) Stress response
✅ Answer: B) Sleep-wake cycles
🧠 Explanation: The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates the body's circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.
13. Which hormone regulates calcium levels in the blood?
A) Insulin
B) Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
C) Cortisol
D) Oxytocin
✅ Answer: B) Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
🧠 Explanation: PTH, secreted by the parathyroid glands, regulates calcium levels by increasing calcium absorption and release from bones.
14. Which hormone is responsible for milk production in lactating women?
A) Oxytocin
B) Prolactin
C) Estrogen
D) Progesterone
✅ Answer: B) Prolactin
🧠 Explanation: Prolactin, released by the pituitary gland, stimulates breast milk production after childbirth.
15. What hormone is produced by the testes?
A) Estrogen
B) Testosterone
C) Progesterone
D) Insulin
✅ Answer: B) Testosterone
🧠 Explanation: The testes produce testosterone, which is responsible for male secondary sexual characteristics and sperm production.
16. Which hormone prepares the uterus for pregnancy?
A) Estrogen
B) Progesterone
C) Prolactin
D) Oxytocin
✅ Answer: B) Progesterone
🧠 Explanation: Progesterone, produced by the ovaries, helps maintain the uterine lining for pregnancy.
17. What is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism?
A) Weight gain
B) Fatigue
C) Rapid heartbeat
D) Hair loss
✅ Answer: C) Rapid heartbeat
🧠 Explanation: Hyperthyroidism causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like increased heart rate, weight loss, and nervousness.
18. What hormone does the adrenal medulla release?
A) Cortisol
B) Aldosterone
C) Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
D) Testosterone
✅ Answer: C) Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
🧠 Explanation: The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline, which prepares the body for the "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
19. What is the function of oxytocin?
A) Stimulates growth
B) Regulates metabolism
C) Triggers childbirth contractions and lactation
D) Lowers blood sugar
✅ Answer: C) Triggers childbirth contractions and lactation
🧠 Explanation: Oxytocin, produced by the pituitary gland, promotes uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk ejection.
20. A lack of insulin leads to:
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Addison’s disease
C) Diabetes mellitus
D) Cushing’s syndrome
✅ Answer: C) Diabetes mellitus
🧠 Explanation: Diabetes mellitus results from insufficient insulin production or resistance, leading to high blood glucose levels.
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