Endocrine System Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Hormones & Glands
Quick, free endocrine practice test. Instant results with answer explanations.
This endocrine system quiz helps you check your recall of major glands, key hormones, and common feedback loops. After you finish, build skills with the endocrine system assessment quiz and dive deeper into calcium control with the calcitonin vs parathyroid hormone quiz. Designed for quick study before exams and class check-ins.
Study Outcomes
- Understand Nonsteroid Hormone Classes -
Describe the structural differences and biological roles of peptides, proteins, glycoproteins, and amines in hormone signaling.
- Identify Endocrine Gland Functions -
Recognize the primary secretory roles of major glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal, and how they maintain bodily homeostasis.
- Analyze Hormonal Feedback Mechanisms -
Trace key endocrine pathways and feedback loops tested in our endocrine system quiz to understand hormone level regulation.
- Differentiate Hormone-Receptor Interactions -
Compare nonsteroid versus steroid hormone mechanisms to master concepts covered in a quiz for endocrine system studies.
- Apply Knowledge to Practice Questions -
Solve targeted endocrine system practice questions that reinforce concepts of glands, hormones, and regulatory pathways.
- Evaluate Quiz Performance and Learning Gaps -
Interpret your results from the endocrine glands quiz to identify strengths and focus areas for further review.
Cheat Sheet
- Hormone Classification: Steroid vs Nonsteroid -
Hormones are classified as lipophilic steroids derived from cholesterol or hydrophilic nonsteroids (peptides, proteins, glycoproteins, amines). Nonsteroid hormones bind to plasma membrane receptors and often utilize second messengers like cAMP - for example, epinephrine activates adenylate cyclase to increase cAMP levels. Recognizing these differences helps you predict hormone solubility and signaling pathways [Source: Guyton & Hall, 14th Edition].
- FLAT-PEG Mnemonic for Anterior Pituitary Hormones -
Use the FLAT-PEG mnemonic to remember the seven anterior pituitary hormones: FSH, LH, ACTH, TSH (FLAT) and PRL, endorphins, GH (PEG). This method streamlines memorization by grouping tropic and non-tropic hormones. For example, ACTH drives cortisol release while GH promotes growth and metabolism [Source: University of Michigan Medical School].
- Negative Feedback Regulation -
Most endocrine pathways use negative feedback to maintain homeostasis by reducing upstream hormone release when downstream levels rise - e.g., high cortisol inhibits CRH and ACTH secretion in the HPA axis. Identifying these loops helps you predict clinical scenarios like Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism. Sketching simple feedback diagrams can solidify your understanding [Source: Endocrine Society Clinical Practice].
- Key Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axes -
The HPA (CRH→ACTH→cortisol), HPT (TRH→TSH→T3/T4), and HPG (GnRH→LH/FSH→sex steroids) axes coordinate major stress, metabolic, and reproductive functions. Mapping each axis end-to-end, including releasing factors and end hormones, clarifies where disorders can arise. A quick chart can help you match stimuli, hormones, and feedback sites [Source: Harvard Medical School].
- Major Gland Functions -
The adrenal cortex secretes mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol), and androgens, while the medulla releases catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine). The thyroid gland produces T3/T4 for basal metabolic rate regulation, and pancreatic islets secrete insulin and glucagon for glucose homeostasis. Familiarize yourself with each gland's cell types and hormones to ace matching questions [Source: NIH Endocrine System Overview].