Endocrinology is defined as the study of how chemical messenger molecules, referred to as hormones, influence physiological processes. By definition, a hormone is a signaling molecule that is released into the bloodstream, where the hormone can then travel to distant target cells and tissues within the body. Along with the nervous system, the hormones of the endocrine system provide an important means by which information travels within the body. Test your basic knowledge of the endocrine system by taking this simple quiz.
(1) The most important physiological stimulus for increasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion from the parathyroid glands is:
(2) Which of the following would stimulate the release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH; also referred to as vasopressin) from the posterior pituitary gland?
(3) The antidiuretic hormone (ADH; also referred to as vasopressin) increases the epithelial water permeability of this segment of the kidney nephrons:
(4) An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland is referred to as __________.
(5) Abnormally high production levels of growth hormone (GH) can lead to one or more of the following clinical conditions:
(6) Abnormally high production levels of growth hormone (GH) before epiphyseal plate closure can lead to the following clinical condition:
(7) Abnormally high production levels of growth hormone (GH) after epiphyseal plate closure can lead to the following clinical condition: