Biology

Endocrine and Exocrine Glands

594 Questions

The endocrine and exocrine glands topic explores the human body's essential secreting structures, including the pituitary, thyroid, and salivary glands. Questions often focus on gland locations, their specific secretions, and crucial physiological functions. This subject is a core component of the general science syllabus across many highly competitive examinations.

Master endocrine glandsPituitary gland locationSalivary gland functionsThyroid and ductless glandsApocrine sweat glands

Endocrine and Exocrine Glands Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is/are incorrect regarding 'Islets of Langerhans'? (a) The exocrine pancreas consists of 'Islet of langerhans'. (b) There are about 1 to 2 million Islets of Langerhans in a normal human pancreas. (c) The two main types of cells in the Islet of Langerhans are called α-cells and β-cells. (d) The α-cells secrete a hormone called insulin, while the β-cells secrete glucagon.

  1. a, b, and d

  2. b, c, and d

  3. only d

  4. only a

  5. a and d
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
E Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, it is correct. Statements a and d are incorrect. The endocrine pancreas consists of ‘Islets of Langerhans’. The α -cells secrete a hormone called glucagon, while the β-cells secrete insulin.

Multiple choice

Sublingual salivary gland lies

  1. superior to mylohyoid

  2. inferior to mylohyoid

  3. deep to geniohyoid

  4. in the vestibule
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sublingual gland is the smallest of the main salivary glands. Each gland is narrow, flat, shaped like an almond and weighs 4 g. The sublingual gland lies on mylohyoid and is covered by the mucosa of the floor of the mouth, which is raised as a sublingual fold.

Multiple choice

The branch of facial nerve that passes through the submandibular salivary gland, divides it into two parts and travels along the lower border of the mandible is

  1. angular

  2. submental

  3. inferior labial

  4. marginal mandibular

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The marginal mandibular branches, of which there are usually two, run forwards towards the angle of the mandible under platysma, at first, superficial to the upper part of the digastrics triangle, then turning up and forwards across the body of the mandible to pass under depressor anguli oris.

Multiple choice

Thyroxin is synthesized from

  1. iodine

  2. vitamin A

  3. vitamin B

  4. vitamin C

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 Thyroxin is synthesized from iodine.Thyroxine is the main hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. It is the inactive form and most of it is converted to an active form called triiodothyronine by organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Multiple choice

The gland known as the 'Master gland' of the endocrine system is

  1. pituitary gland

  2. thymus gland

  3. thyroid gland

  4. pineal gland
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The pituitary is often called the master gland because the hormones it secretes play an active part in controlling the activities of all the other endocrine glands. This impressive power is wielded from two little bumps at the base of the brain, about midway between the ears at eye level.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements regarding the pituitary gland is wrong?

  1. The pituitary gland is not connected to the hypothalamus.

  2. The pituitary gland is divided into adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis.

  3. On each side of the pituitary gland is the cavernous sinus.

  4. Disorders of the pituitary gland can cause hormonal and neurological defects in the body.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The gland is connected to a region of the brain called the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. Directly above the pituitary gland and in front of the pituitary stalk are the crossing fibers of the optic nerves, called the optic chiasm.

Multiple choice

Where are parotid glands located?

  1. Angle of lower jaw

  2. Below and in front of ears

  3. Below the tongue

  4. Between muscle fibres of the tongue
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Parotid glands occur below and in front of ears.