What is the primary role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?
To manage calcium levels in the blood.
To control blood glucose levels through insulin secretion.
To regulate thyroid hormone levels.
To regulate stress response via hormone secretion.
The Correct Answer is D
A. To manage calcium levels in the blood: The HPA axis primarily deals with stress hormones (CRH → ACTH → cortisol) rather than direct regulation of calcium homeostasis, which is managed mainly by the parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.
B. To control blood glucose levels through insulin secretion: Insulin secretion is controlled by the pancreas; the HPA axis influences glucose metabolism indirectly via cortisol but does not control insulin release.
C. To regulate thyroid hormone levels: Thyroid regulation is principally the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis (TRH → TSH → thyroid hormones), not the HPA axis.
D. To regulate stress response via hormone secretion: The HPA axis initiates and coordinates the hormonal stress response by releasing CRH from the hypothalamus, ACTH from the pituitary, and cortisol from the adrenal cortex, which mobilizes energy and modulates many systems during stress.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH):GHRH from the hypothalamus stimulates growth hormone release from the anterior pituitary, not thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
B. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH):GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH, which regulate the gonads rather than TSH.
C. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH):CRH triggers ACTH release from the anterior pituitary, which acts on the adrenal cortex, not TSH.
D. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH):TRH from the hypothalamus specifically stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH, which in turn acts on the thyroid gland.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Catecholamines:Catecholamines (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine) are derived from amino acids like tyrosine and act mainly through cell surface receptors, not by entering the cell to affect gene transcription.
B. Peptide hormones:Peptide hormones are chains of amino acids that bind to receptors on the cell surface because they are not lipid-soluble; they act via secondary messenger systems rather than directly influencing DNA transcription.
C. Thyroid hormones:Thyroid hormones are amino acid–derived but are lipid-soluble; they can enter cells and influence gene expression, although they are not cholesterol-derived.
D. Steroid hormones:Steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol, estrogen, testosterone) are synthesized from cholesterol and are lipid-soluble, allowing them to cross the cell membrane, bind intracellular receptors, and regulate gene transcription in the nucleus.
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