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Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology

Adrenal and Pancreas Hormones Practice Questions

57 free Adrenal and Pancreas Hormones practice questions for the Physiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

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Question 1 of 57 Medium

Which zone of the adrenal cortex is primarily responsible for the secretion of aldosterone?

  1. A Zona fasciculata
  2. B Zona reticularis
  3. C Zona glomerulosa
  4. D Adrenal medulla

Correct answer: Zona glomerulosa

The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex and contains the enzyme aldosterone synthase. It produces mineralocorticoids, primarily aldosterone, in response to angiotensin II and high potassium levels.

Question 2 of 57 Medium

Which of the following hormones is synthesized by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets?

  1. A Glucagon
  2. B Insulin
  3. C Amylin
  4. D Somatostatin

Correct answer: Insulin

Beta cells constitute about 60-75% of the islet cells and are responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is the primary anabolic hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake.

Question 3 of 57 Medium

What is the primary stimulus for the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex?

  1. A A sustained rise in blood pressure
  2. B Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
  3. C A sustained rise in blood glucose
  4. D Luteinizing hormone from the pituitary

Correct answer: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Cortisol release is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. ACTH from the anterior pituitary binds to receptors in the zona fasciculata to stimulate cortisol synthesis and secretion.

Question 4 of 57 Medium

In the pancreas, delta cells secrete somatostatin, which primarily functions to:

  1. A Stimulate the release of insulin from beta cells
  2. B Increase the absorption of dietary glucose in the gut
  3. C Inhibit the secretion of both insulin and glucagon
  4. D Promote glycogenolysis within the liver cells

Correct answer: Inhibit the secretion of both insulin and glucagon

Somatostatin acts as a paracrine inhibitor within the islets of Langerhans. It helps modulate the glycemic response by suppressing the secretion of both alpha and beta cell hormones.

Question 5 of 57 Medium

Which hormone is produced in the adrenal medulla and is involved in the 'fight-or-flight' response?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Epinephrine
  3. C Aldosterone
  4. D Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Correct answer: Epinephrine

The adrenal medulla contains chromaffin cells that secrete catecholamines, mainly epinephrine (80%) and norepinephrine (20%). These hormones rapidly increase heart rate and blood glucose during acute stress.

Question 6 of 57 Medium

Glucagon primarily acts on the liver to stimulate which of the following processes?

  1. A Glycogenesis
  2. B Lipogenesis
  3. C Glycogenolysis
  4. D Protein synthesis

Correct answer: Glycogenolysis

Glucagon is a catabolic hormone released during hypoglycemia. It binds to hepatic receptors to trigger the breakdown of glycogen into glucose (glycogenolysis) and stimulate gluconeogenesis.

Question 7 of 57 Medium

Which enzyme is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of all adrenal steroid hormones?

  1. A Aromatase in the peripheral tissues
  2. B 21-hydroxylase of the smooth ER
  3. C Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc)
  4. D 11-beta-hydroxylase within the inner mitochondria

Correct answer: Cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc)

P450scc converts cholesterol to pregnenolone within the mitochondria. This step is regulated by ACTH and determines the overall rate of steroidogenesis across all zones of the cortex.

Question 8 of 57 Medium

Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium primarily at which site in the nephron?

  1. A Proximal convoluted tubule
  2. B Descending limb of the loop of Henle
  3. C Distal tubule and collecting duct
  4. D Glomerular capillaries

Correct answer: Distal tubule and collecting duct

Aldosterone acts on the principal cells of the late distal tubule and cortical collecting duct. It increases the expression of ENaC channels and Na+/K+ ATPase pumps to retain sodium and excrete potassium.

Question 9 of 57 Medium

Cortisol levels typically follow a diurnal rhythm. At what time of day are levels usually at their highest?

  1. A Around midnight, at the nadir
  2. B In the late afternoon, near 4 PM
  3. C In the early morning, around 8 AM
  4. D During the deepest stages of REM sleep

Correct answer: In the early morning, around 8 AM

Cortisol secretion peaks in the early morning hours, shortly after waking. This peak helps prepare the body for the metabolic demands of the day and declines to its lowest point around midnight.

Question 10 of 57 Medium

A patient with a tumor secreting excessive aldosterone (Conn's syndrome) would most likely exhibit:

  1. A Hypotension and hyperkalemia
  2. B Hypertension and hypokalemia
  3. C Hyponatremia and hypoglycemia
  4. D Hypercalcemia and polyuria

Correct answer: Hypertension and hypokalemia

Excessive aldosterone causes pathological sodium and water retention, leading to high blood pressure. Concurrently, it forces excessive potassium excretion into the urine, resulting in low serum potassium levels.

Question 11 of 57 Medium

What is the primary metabolic effect of insulin on adipose tissue?

  1. A Stimulation of hormone-sensitive lipase
  2. B Inhibition of glucose uptake
  3. C Promotion of triglyceride storage
  4. D Increased fatty acid oxidation

Correct answer: Promotion of triglyceride storage

Insulin is a potent lipogenic hormone. It increases glucose entry via GLUT4 and activates lipoprotein lipase, while inhibiting hormone-sensitive lipase to prevent the breakdown of stored fats.

Question 12 of 57 Medium

Cushing's syndrome is characterized by a chronic overexposure to which hormone?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Cortisol
  4. D Epinephrine

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged high levels of glucocorticoids, either from endogenous overproduction or exogenous medication. Symptoms include central obesity, muscle wasting, and hyperglycemia.

Question 13 of 57 Medium

The precursor amino acid for the synthesis of catecholamines in the adrenal medulla is:

  1. A Tryptophan
  2. B Tyrosine
  3. C Histidine
  4. D Arginine

Correct answer: Tyrosine

Catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) are derived from the amino acid tyrosine. The rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway is tyrosine hydroxylase.

Question 14 of 57 Medium

Which glucose transporter is insulin-dependent and found primarily in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue?

  1. A GLUT1
  2. B GLUT2
  3. C GLUT3
  4. D GLUT4

Correct answer: GLUT4

GLUT4 is sequestered in intracellular vesicles and only translocates to the cell membrane in response to insulin signaling. This allows for rapid glucose uptake following a meal.

Question 15 of 57 Medium

Which zone of the adrenal cortex is the primary source of adrenal androgens like DHEA?

  1. A Zona glomerulosa
  2. B Zona fasciculata
  3. C Zona reticularis
  4. D Chromaffin cells

Correct answer: Zona reticularis

The zona reticularis is the innermost layer of the cortex. It expresses the enzymes necessary to divert steroid precursors into the androgenic pathway, producing DHEA and androstenedione.

Question 16 of 57 Medium

How does cortisol affect the immune system?

  1. A It boosts the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
  2. B It enhances the activity and proliferation of T-lymphocytes
  3. C It inhibits histamine release and reduces capillary permeability
  4. D It promotes the migration of white blood cells to injured tissue

Correct answer: It inhibits histamine release and reduces capillary permeability

Cortisol is globally immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory. It inhibits phospholipase A2 (reducing prostaglandins) and stabilizes lysosomal membranes, making it useful in treating allergic and autoimmune reactions.

Question 17 of 57 Medium

Which of the following describes the mechanism of action for insulin on its target receptor?

  1. A Activation of a G-protein coupled receptor
  2. B Stimulation of intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity
  3. C Direct binding to an intracellular nuclear receptor
  4. D Opening of a ligand-gated ion channel

Correct answer: Stimulation of intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity

The insulin receptor is a transmembrane protein with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Upon insulin binding, the receptor autophosphorylates and triggers a cascade through Insulin Receptor Substrates (IRS).

Question 18 of 57 Medium

Addison's disease is caused by the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Patients would likely present with:

  1. A Hyperglycemia and hypertension
  2. B Hyperpigmentation and hypotension
  3. C Central obesity and moon face
  4. D Hypokalemia and alkalosis

Correct answer: Hyperpigmentation and hypotension

Primary adrenal insufficiency leads to low cortisol and aldosterone, causing low blood pressure. The lack of cortisol feedback causes high ACTH levels; ACTH contains the MSH sequence, which stimulates melanocytes to cause hyperpigmentation.

Question 19 of 57 Medium

The 'C-peptide' is a useful clinical marker for which of the following?

  1. A Alpha cell function
  2. B Exogenous insulin administration
  3. C Endogenous insulin production
  4. D Adrenal medulla exhaustion

Correct answer: Endogenous insulin production

Proinsulin is cleaved into insulin and C-peptide in a 1:1 ratio before secretion. Measuring C-peptide allows clinicians to distinguish between insulin made by the patient's pancreas and injected (exogenous) insulin.

Question 20 of 57 Medium

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that causes paroxysmal (sudden) episodes of:

  1. A Extreme fatigue, bradycardia, and deep lethargy
  2. B Severe hypertension, palpitations, and sweating
  3. C Abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, and nausea
  4. D Unexplained weight gain, edema, and puffiness

Correct answer: Severe hypertension, palpitations, and sweating

Pheochromocytomas overproduce catecholamines (epinephrine/norepinephrine). This results in 'attacks' of sympathetic overactivity, including dangerously high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and diaphoresis.

Question 21 of 57 Medium

Which hormone is secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Adrenaline
  4. D Dehydroepiandrosterone

Correct answer: Aldosterone

The zona glomerulosa primarily secretes aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium balance and thus controls blood volume and blood pressure.

Question 22 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone lowers blood glucose by increasing cellular uptake of glucose?

  1. A Glucagon
  2. B Somatostatin
  3. C Insulin
  4. D Amylin

Correct answer: Insulin

Insulin facilitates glucose uptake by muscle and adipose tissue. It also promotes glycogen synthesis and inhibits gluconeogenesis.

Question 23 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal hormone is essential for the stress response and has strong gluconeogenic effects?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Adrenaline
  4. D Noradrenaline

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol increases gluconeogenesis and mobilizes energy substrates during stress. It is secreted from the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex.

Question 24 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic cell type secretes glucagon?

  1. A Alpha cells
  2. B Beta cells
  3. C Delta cells
  4. D PP cells

Correct answer: Alpha cells

Alpha cells of the pancreatic islets secrete glucagon. Glucagon raises blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Question 25 of 57 Medium

The adrenal medulla primarily secretes which hormones?

  1. A Cortisol and aldosterone
  2. B Aldosterone and androgens
  3. C Adrenaline and noradrenaline
  4. D Cortisol and adrenaline

Correct answer: Adrenaline and noradrenaline

The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines, mainly adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones mediate the fight-or-flight response.

Question 26 of 57 Medium

Which hormone decreases blood glucose by inhibiting glucagon and insulin release?

  1. A Pancreatic insulin
  2. B Epinephrine
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Aldosterone

Correct answer: Somatostatin

Somatostatin inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon from the pancreatic islets, lowering blood glucose availability. It acts as a paracrine regulatory hormone within the pancreas.

Question 27 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal cortical hormone has significant mineralocorticoid activity?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Adrenaline
  4. D Dehydroepiandrosterone

Correct answer: Aldosterone

Aldosterone is the principal mineralocorticoid. It promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion in the kidneys.

Question 28 of 57 Medium

Which hormone increases blood glucose during fasting?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Aldosterone

Correct answer: Glucagon

Glucagon raises blood glucose levels during fasting. It stimulates hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Question 29 of 57 Medium

Which zone of the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol?

  1. A Zona glomerulosa
  2. B Zona fasciculata
  3. C Zona reticularis
  4. D Adrenal medulla

Correct answer: Zona fasciculata

The zona fasciculata is responsible for cortisol secretion. Cortisol plays a major role in metabolism and stress adaptation.

Question 30 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone promotes glycogen synthesis in the liver?

  1. A Glucagon
  2. B Somatostatin
  3. C Insulin
  4. D Adrenaline

Correct answer: Insulin

Insulin stimulates glycogen synthesis in the liver. This helps lower circulating blood glucose after meals.

Question 31 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal hormone primarily increases heart rate and cardiac output?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Adrenaline
  4. D Dehydroepiandrosterone

Correct answer: Adrenaline

Adrenaline increases heart rate and cardiac output by acting on beta-adrenergic receptors. It is crucial for acute stress responses.

Question 32 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone is secreted in response to hypoglycemia?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Somatostatin
  3. C Glucagon
  4. D Pancreatic polypeptide

Correct answer: Glucagon

Glucagon is released during hypoglycemia. Its primary function is to restore normal blood glucose levels.

Question 33 of 57 Medium

Which hormone from the adrenal cortex has androgenic properties?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Dehydroepiandrosterone
  4. D Adrenaline

Correct answer: Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone is an adrenal androgen secreted from the zona reticularis. It contributes to secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 34 of 57 Medium

Which effect is mediated by insulin in peripheral tissues?

  1. A Increased lipolysis
  2. B Increased gluconeogenesis
  3. C Increased glucose uptake
  4. D Increased ketogenesis

Correct answer: Increased glucose uptake

Insulin increases glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue. This action helps lower blood glucose levels.

Question 35 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal hormone is essential for maintaining vascular responsiveness to catecholamines?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Adrenaline
  4. D Noradrenaline

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol maintains vascular responsiveness to catecholamines. Without cortisol, blood pressure regulation becomes impaired.

Question 36 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic cell type secretes insulin?

  1. A Alpha cells
  2. B Beta cells
  3. C Delta cells
  4. D PP cells

Correct answer: Beta cells

Beta cells of the pancreatic islets secrete insulin. Insulin is the primary hormone responsible for lowering blood glucose.

Question 37 of 57 Medium

Which hormone promotes potassium excretion by the kidneys?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Insulin
  3. C Aldosterone
  4. D Glucagon

Correct answer: Aldosterone

Aldosterone increases potassium excretion in the distal nephron. This helps maintain electrolyte balance.

Question 38 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone reduces gastrointestinal motility and secretion?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Pancreatic polypeptide

Correct answer: Somatostatin

Somatostatin inhibits gastrointestinal motility and secretion. It acts as a broad inhibitory hormone in the digestive system.

Question 39 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal hormone primarily acts on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors?

  1. A Adrenaline
  2. B Noradrenaline
  3. C Cortisol
  4. D Aldosterone

Correct answer: Noradrenaline

Noradrenaline has a strong action on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. This causes vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

Question 40 of 57 Medium

Which hormone increases lipolysis and free fatty acid release during stress?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Cortisol
  4. D Somatostatin

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol promotes lipolysis and mobilization of free fatty acids. This provides energy during prolonged stress.

Question 41 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal medullary hormone predominantly increases heart rate and cardiac output during stress?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Epinephrine
  4. D DHEA

Correct answer: Epinephrine

Epinephrine stimulates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, increasing heart rate and cardiac output. It is a key hormone in the fight-or-flight response.

Question 42 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone promotes glucose uptake into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue?

  1. A Glucagon
  2. B Somatostatin
  3. C Insulin
  4. D Amylin

Correct answer: Insulin

Insulin facilitates glucose uptake by increasing GLUT4 transporter activity in muscle and adipose tissue. This lowers blood glucose levels.

Question 43 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal cortical hormone plays a major role in gluconeogenesis during stress?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Epinephrine
  4. D Glucagon

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol increases gluconeogenesis in the liver and helps maintain blood glucose during stress. It is a key glucocorticoid hormone.

Question 44 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic islet cells secrete glucagon?

  1. A Alpha cells
  2. B Beta cells
  3. C Delta cells
  4. D PP cells

Correct answer: Alpha cells

Alpha cells of the pancreatic islets secrete glucagon. This hormone raises blood glucose levels by promoting glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Question 45 of 57 Medium

The adrenal medulla primarily secretes which group of hormones?

  1. A Steroid hormones
  2. B Peptide hormones
  3. C Catecholamines
  4. D Glycoproteins

Correct answer: Catecholamines

The adrenal medulla secretes catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones are involved in rapid stress responses.

Question 46 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone inhibits both insulin and glucagon secretion?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Pancreatic polypeptide

Correct answer: Somatostatin

Somatostatin, secreted by delta cells, inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon. It helps regulate endocrine and digestive functions.

Question 47 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal cortical hormone primarily regulates sodium and potassium balance?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C DHEA
  4. D Epinephrine

Correct answer: Aldosterone

Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. It plays a key role in electrolyte balance.

Question 48 of 57 Medium

Which hormone increases blood glucose levels during fasting?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Somatostatin
  3. C Amylin
  4. D Glucagon

Correct answer: Glucagon

Glucagon increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver. It is released during fasting states.

Question 49 of 57 Medium

Which hormone is secreted by the zona glomerulosa?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C DHEA
  4. D Epinephrine

Correct answer: Aldosterone

The zona glomerulosa produces aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid. It regulates sodium and potassium balance in the body.

Question 50 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone is released in response to hypoglycemia?

  1. A Glucagon
  2. B Insulin
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Amylin

Correct answer: Glucagon

Glucagon is secreted when blood glucose levels fall. It acts to increase glucose availability in the bloodstream.

Question 51 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal cortical hormone has androgenic effects?

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C ACTH
  4. D DHEA

Correct answer: DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced in the zona reticularis and has androgenic properties. It contributes to secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 52 of 57 Medium

Which effect is primarily mediated by insulin in peripheral tissues?

  1. A Glycogen breakdown
  2. B Lipolysis
  3. C Protein degradation
  4. D Glucose uptake

Correct answer: Glucose uptake

Insulin enhances glucose uptake into cells, especially muscle and adipose tissue. This reduces blood glucose levels.

Question 53 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal hormone maintains vascular responsiveness to catecholamines?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C DHEA
  4. D Glucagon

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol upregulates adrenergic receptors, maintaining vascular responsiveness to catecholamines. This supports blood pressure regulation.

Question 54 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic islet cells secrete insulin?

  1. A Alpha cells
  2. B Beta cells
  3. C Delta cells
  4. D PP cells

Correct answer: Beta cells

Beta cells produce and secrete insulin. This hormone lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake.

Question 55 of 57 Medium

Which pancreatic hormone decreases gastrointestinal motility and secretion?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Somatostatin
  4. D Pancreatic polypeptide

Correct answer: Somatostatin

Somatostatin inhibits gastrointestinal activity and hormone secretion. It acts as a regulatory hormone in digestion.

Question 56 of 57 Medium

Which adrenal medullary hormone primarily stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors?

  1. A Epinephrine
  2. B Norepinephrine
  3. C Corticosterone
  4. D Aldosterone

Correct answer: Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine has a stronger effect on alpha-1 receptors, causing vasoconstriction. This increases blood pressure during stress.

Question 57 of 57 Medium

Which hormone increases lipolysis and release of free fatty acids during stress?

  1. A Insulin
  2. B Glucagon
  3. C Cortisol
  4. D Somatostatin

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cortisol promotes lipolysis, increasing free fatty acids in circulation. This provides an alternative energy source during stress.

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