Free Endocrine System MCQs with Answers
40 Endocrine System MCQs from Anatomy and Physiology for Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
The endocrine system covers hormone-producing glands including the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pancreas, pineal gland, ovaries and testes. It explains hormone classes, target-cell responses, feedback control, and the functions of hormones such as insulin, thyroxine, cortisol, growth hormone and ADH, which is often confused with a kidney-produced substance.
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40 questions · page 2 of 2
- A. Epinephrine
- B. Aldosterone
- C. Cortisol
- D. Thyroxine
Explanation: The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine during the fight-or-flight response.
Correct answer: Epinephrine- A. Large amounts of dilute urine
- B. Small amounts of concentrated urine
- C. Low urine output with oedema
- D. Dark urine with high ketones
Explanation: Reduced ADH activity prevents the kidneys from conserving water, causing polyuria and very dilute urine.
Correct answer: Large amounts of dilute urine- A. Iodine
- B. Calcium
- C. Iron
- D. Potassium
Explanation: Iodine is a structural component needed to form thyroid hormones T3 and T4.
Correct answer: Iodine- A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
- B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- C. Follicle-stimulating hormone
- D. Antidiuretic hormone
Explanation: Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, acts on the thyroid gland and promotes thyroid hormone production.
Correct answer: Thyroid-stimulating hormone- A. Enlarged hands and facial bones
- B. Short limbs with delayed growth
- C. Reduced muscle mass and hypoglycaemia
- D. Small thyroid with slow metabolism
Explanation: Excess growth hormone in an adult causes acromegaly, with enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw and facial bones.
Correct answer: Enlarged hands and facial bones26. Which hormone is mainly produced by the testes and supports male secondary sexual characteristics?
- A. Testosterone
- B. Progesterone
- C. Prolactin
- D. Thyroxine
Explanation: Testosterone is produced mainly by the testes and supports sperm production, muscle development and male secondary sexual characteristics.
Correct answer: Testosterone- A. Calcitonin
- B. Parathyroid hormone
- C. Aldosterone
- D. Cortisol
Explanation: Calcitonin is released by thyroid parafollicular cells and lowers blood calcium by inhibiting bone resorption.
Correct answer: Calcitonin- A. It is transported partly bound to plasma proteins
- B. It is stored in large amounts inside red cells
- C. It travels only inside lymphatic vessels
- D. It dissolves freely without protein transport
Explanation: Cortisol is a lipid-soluble steroid hormone and is transported in blood partly bound to plasma proteins.
Correct answer: It is transported partly bound to plasma proteins- A. Increased ACTH secretion
- B. Decreased ACTH secretion
- C. Increased ADH breakdown
- D. Decreased TSH release
Explanation: Low cortisol reduces negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary, so ACTH secretion increases.
Correct answer: Increased ACTH secretion- A. Monitor vital signs frequently
- B. Provide a high-calorie meal
- C. Encourage vigorous exercise
- D. Apply a warm blanket
Explanation: Frequent vital-sign monitoring is the priority because hyperthyroidism can cause dangerous tachycardia, hypertension and progression to…
Correct answer: Monitor vital signs frequently- A. Peptide hormone
- B. Steroid hormone
- C. Thyroid hormone
- D. Adrenal cortical hormone
Explanation: Peptide hormones are water soluble and usually cannot cross the lipid cell membrane, so they act through membrane receptors and second…
Correct answer: Peptide hormone- A. Prolactin
- B. Oxytocin
- C. Follicle-stimulating hormone
- D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Explanation: Prolactin stimulates milk synthesis in the mammary glands. Oxytocin causes milk ejection and uterine contraction, so it is the common trap…
Correct answer: Prolactin- A. Hypothalamus
- B. Posterior pituitary
- C. Renal cortex
- D. Adrenal medulla
Explanation: ADH is synthesized by neurons in the hypothalamus and then transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and release.
Correct answer: Hypothalamus- A. It releases insulin into the bloodstream
- B. It releases digestive enzymes through a duct
- C. It stores bile for release into the intestine
- D. It produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach
Explanation: The pancreatic islets release hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into the blood, which is an endocrine function.
Correct answer: It releases insulin into the bloodstream- A. Progesterone
- B. Estrogen
- C. Follicle-stimulating hormone
- D. Luteinizing hormone
Explanation: Progesterone from the corpus luteum supports the endometrium and helps maintain early pregnancy.
Correct answer: Progesterone- A. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
- B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
- C. Luteinizing hormone
- D. Prolactin
Explanation: Adrenocorticotropic hormone, or ACTH, stimulates the adrenal cortex, especially the zona fasciculata, to release cortisol.
Correct answer: Adrenocorticotropic hormone- A. Increased intestinal calcium absorption
- B. Reduced intestinal calcium absorption
- C. Increased urinary calcium loss
- D. Reduced calcium movement into bone
Explanation: Calcitriol increases intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, supporting bone mineralisation.
Correct answer: Increased intestinal calcium absorption- A. Decreased receptor number
- B. Increased receptor number
- C. Increased hormone synthesis
- D. Increased target-cell sensitivity
Explanation: Persistent high hormone levels can cause down-regulation, in which target cells reduce the number of receptors available.
Correct answer: Decreased receptor number- A. Deep rapid respirations
- B. Fruity-smelling breath
- C. Severe weakness
- D. Very high blood glucose
Explanation: Deep rapid respirations indicate compensatory breathing for metabolic acidosis in diabetic ketoacidosis, making breathing the priority…
Correct answer: Deep rapid respirations40. A patient taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism makes which statement that shows correct teaching?
- A. I take it in the morning before breakfast
- B. I take it with an iron tablet each morning
- C. I stop it when my energy level improves
- D. I take an extra tablet after a missed dose
Explanation: Levothyroxine is best taken consistently on an empty stomach, usually in the morning before breakfast.
Correct answer: I take it in the morning before breakfast