Histology Endocrine MCQs:
1. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the endocrine system?
A. Products secreted into blood
B. Glands with ducts
C. Secretes hormones
D. Non localized response
E. All of the following are characteristics of the endocrine system
Answer: b
The endocrine system is a system of cellular communication. The means of communication is via
hormones. The hormones are secreted by ductless glands directly into the bloodstream. Generally, the response to
hormones is non localized. If a gland secretes its product through a duct, it is an exocrine gland.
2. What type of hormone is testosterone?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Protein
Amino acid chain
Steroid
Catecholamine
None of the above
Answer: c
Hormones can have a variety of structures. Hormones which are proteins include insulin and prolactin. Peptide
chains are short chains of amino acids. Examples of hormones which are peptide chains are antidiuretic hormone
and oxytocin. Steroid hormones are cholesterol derivatives. Steroid hormones include testosterone and estradiol.
Norepinephrine and epinephrine are catecholamines.
3. What organ is nicknamed the "master gland"
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Adrenal medulla
Adrenal cortex
Brain
Pituitary
Heart
4. What cell type secretes ACTH?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Lactotropic cells
Thyrotropic cells
Somatotropic cells
Corticotropic cells
Gonadotropic cells
Answer: d
There are several cell types in the pars distalis (anterior pituitary). Lactotropic cells secrete prolactin. Thyrotropic
cells secrete thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Somatotropic cells secrete growth hormone. Corticotropic cells
secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Gonadotropic cells
secrete follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
5. Where is corpora arenacea found?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Pituitary
Pineal gland
Adrenal gland
Pancreas
Thyroid
Answer: b Corpora arenacea is nicknamed "brain sand". Corpora arenacea is calcification seen in the pineal gland.
Histology Endocrine MCQs:
6. Which gland secretes melatonin?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Pancreas
Thyroid
Pineal gland
Adrenal gland (cortex)
Adrenal gland (medulla)
Answer: c
The endocrine portion of the pancreas secretes insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin. The thyroid gland secretes the
thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and calcitonin. The pineal gland secretes melatonin. The cortex of the adrenal gland
secretes a variety of corticosteroids. It secretes mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone), glucocorticoids (such as
cortisol) and sex steroids. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are secreted from the adrenal medulla.
7. Which cell type are involved in the secretion thyroglobulin?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Principal cell
Oxyphil cell
Parafollicular cells
Follicular cells
Chromaffin cells
Answer: d
There are two cell types in the parathyroid gland: principal cells and oxyphil cells. Principal cells are also called chief
cells. Principal cells are the more prevalent. Oxyphil cells are also found in the parathyroid gland; however they are
not as prevalent as principal cells.
There are two cell types in the thyroid: follicular cells and parafollicular cells. Follicular cells release and store thyroid
hormone. Parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland are also called C cells. They secrete calcitonin.
The cells of the adrenal medulla are chromaffin cells.
8. Where is insulin secreted from?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Answer: b
Alpha cells
Beta cells
Gamma cells
Delta cells
Acini
The pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine organ.
The endocrine portion of the pancreas is housed in the islets of Langerhans. Within the islets, there are several cell
types. The alpha cells secrete glucagon. The beta cells secrete insulin. The delta cells secrete somatostatin. The
gamma cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide.
The acini is the exocrine portion of the pancreas.
9. Which of the following is part of the adrenal gland?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Answer: e
Chromaffin cells
Zona reticularis
Zona glomerulosa
Zona fasciculata
All of the above
The adrenal gland is composed of the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla.
Histology Endocrine MCQs:
The layers of the adrenal cortex, from outermost to innermost are: zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona
reticularis. The respective principle products are: mineralocorticods, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids.
The cells of the adrenal medulla are chromaffin cells. They secrete the catecholamines (epinephrine and
norepinephrine).
Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: A mnemonic to remember the layers of the adrenal cortex and their respective
products is "Go Find Rex; Make Good Sex" (glomerulosa, fasciculata, reticularis) (mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid,
sex steroids).
10. Which part the adrenal gland secretes glucocorticoids?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Answer: d
Chromaffin cells
Zona reticularis
Zona glomerulosa
Zona fasciculata
None of the above