High School Biology : Understanding Specific Hormones
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology
All High School Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Endocrine System
How does antidiuretic hormone perform its function?
Makes the collecting duct permeable so that water can exit the filtrate
Constricts the kidneys to keep them from filtering blood
Constricts the ureter to keep fluids from flowing into the bladder
Reabsorbs salts so that water passively diffuses out of the filtrate
Expands the bladder so that more urine can be carried by the body
Makes the collecting duct permeable so that water can exit the filtrate
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a hormone released by the posterior pituitary when there is an imbalance of water in the body. Its function is the same as aldosterone, which also helps regulate water levels in the body. ADH causes channels to open in the collecting duct for water to exit the filtrate and enter the blood, increasing blood volume and retaining water.
In contrast, aldosterone causes channels to open for sodium to exit the filtrate and enter the blood. The blood becomes more concentrated, which draws water out of the filtrate to help dilute the increased sodium levels. This also leads to increased blood volume and water retention.
Example Question #3 : Endocrine System
Which of the following hormones has the opposite effect of parathyroid hormone?
Antidiuretic hormone
Calcitonin
Insulin
Glucagon
Calcitonin
Parathyroid hormone is responsible for increasing blood calcium levels. Calcitonin has the opposite effect, and lowers blood calcium levels. These two hormones act in a negative feedback loop to keep calcium levels relatively constant. When calcium levels are high, calcitonin is released. When calcium levels are low, parathyroid hormone is released.
Insulin serves to low blood glucose levels, while glucagon acts to increase blood glucose. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) helps conserve water in the body by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Example Question #4 : Endocrine System
The primary function of insulin is __________.
to stimulate the fight or flight response
to decrease blood sugar levels
to stimulate uptake of glucose by cells
Two of these answers are correct.
to increase blood sugar levels
Two of these answers are correct.
Insulin stimulates the reuptake of glucose from the blood into the cells. Thus, the glucose levels in the blood decrease, as the glucose is taken into cells. The cells may either store it as glycogen (in liver and skeletal muscle) or use it in glycolysis to make ATP.
Example Question #1 : Understanding Specific Hormones
Epinephrine has which of the following effects on the body?
Dilation of the windpipes in the lungs
Constriction of the pupils
Constriction of blood vessels serving skeletal muscles
Dilation of the blood vessels serving the gastrointestinal organs
None of the other answers is correct.
Dilation of the windpipes in the lungs
Epinephrine is the hormone that gets you ready for a "fight or flight" response. This means increasing heart rate, increasing the force of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to the muscles, and opening the windpipes. This would help you if you needed to run away or fight by increasing the amount of oxygen thats delivered to the blood. Also, during a fight, flight, or freight response, the pupils dilate to allow more light to enter, making it easier to see in the dark.
Example Question #2 : Understanding Specific Hormones
Which of the following is not an effect of insulin?
Decreasing blood glucose levels
Glucose uptake by muscle cells
Gluconeogenesis in the liver (liver makes glucose)
Glucose uptake by adipose (fat) cells
Inhibiting the release of glucagon
Gluconeogenesis in the liver (liver makes glucose)
Insulin functions to decrease blood sugars. It does so by acting on adipose tissue to uptake glucose. It causes increased glucose utilization by the muscles. It also inhibits the release of glucagon, which has the opposite effects as insulin.
Gluconeogenesis by the liver occurs in response to very low blood glucose, when the body is in need of sugar. Glucagon causes gluconeogenesis in the liver.
Example Question #3 : Understanding Specific Hormones
Which hormone acts to increase the levels of serum calcium (calcium flowing in the blood)?
Progesterone
Cortisol
Calcitonin
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Aldosterone
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Parathyroid hormone is secreted by the parathyroid gland in response to low levels of serum calcium. It acts to increase the resorption of calcium from the bone, kidneys, and intestines. Note that vitamin D is also a hormone that shares this function.
All High School Biology Resources
