Free ASCP MLS Biochemistry Mock Test: Part 52 – Hormones & Endocrine Function Tests Practice Exam

The 24-hour urinary free cortisol test is considered the best initial screening test for Cushing’s syndrome (adrenal cortical hyperfunction). It measures the total cortisol production over a 24-hour period, which helps to avoid the inaccuracies of single, fluctuating plasma cortisol measurements. It has high sensitivity and specificity.

• Plasma cortisol (b) can vary widely throughout the day due to diurnal rhythm and stress.

• Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (c) is an older test that is less specific.

• Plasma corticosterone (d) is not a standard screening test for this purpose.

Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is the major end-stage metabolite of both epinephrine and norepinephrine. Measuring its level in a 24-hour urine collection is a classic test for assessing catecholamine production, often used in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma (a tumor that produces excessive catecholamines).

• Dopamine (a) is a precursor.

• DOPA (b) is a precursor to dopamine.

• Homovanillic acid (HVA) (c) is the major metabolite of dopamine.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that raises blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and reducing glucose uptake by tissues. This provides the body with energy to cope with stress.

• Decreasing blood glucose (a) is the function of insulin.

• Increasing protein synthesis (b) is not a primary function; cortisol can actually break down proteins for gluconeogenesis.

• Stimulating insulin secretion (d) is not a function of cortisol.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its role is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).

• The hypothalamus (a) produces TRH (Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone), which stimulates the pituitary to release TSH.

• The adrenal cortex (c) produces corticosteroids.

• The thyroid gland (d) produces T3 and T4.

A deficiency of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) causes diabetes insipidus. Without sufficient ADH, the kidneys cannot reabsorb water properly, leading to the production of large volumes of very dilute urine and excessive thirst.

• Diabetes mellitus (a) is caused by insulin deficiency or resistance.

• Addison’s disease (c) is adrenal cortex insufficiency.

• Cushing’s syndrome (d) is caused by excess cortisol.

 Testosterone is the primary and most potent naturally occurring androgen (male sex hormone) in the body. It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

• Androstenedione (a) is a weaker precursor hormone.

• Cortisol (b) is a corticosteroid, not an androgen.

• Epiandrosterone (c) is a very weak metabolite of testosterone.

In a normal pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly after implantation, doubling approximately every 48-72 hours. They peak around 8 to 10 weeks after the last menstrual period. After this peak, hCG levels decline and then plateau for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Calcitonin and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) are antagonistic hormones:

• PTH increases blood calcium levels.

• Calcitonin decreases blood calcium levels.

Hormones are signaling molecules produced by endocrine glands. They travel through the bloodstream to target organs or tissues, where they regulate various physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, and mood. Unlike enzymes (a), they do not catalyze reactions; unlike vitamins (c), they are not nutrients; and unlike structural proteins (d), they do not form part of cell membranes.

Acromegaly is caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion, usually from a pituitary adenoma. The oral glucose tolerance test is a key diagnostic test. In a healthy person, a glucose load suppresses GH levels. In acromegaly, this suppression fails, so GH levels do not decrease as expected, confirming the diagnosis.

• Elevated serum phosphate (a) can occur but is not diagnostic.

• Decreased GH-releasing factor (b) and increased somatostatin (d) would typically lead to low GH levels, not the high levels seen in acromegaly.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Since these hormones regulate metabolism, a deficiency causes the body’s metabolic rate to slow down.

• Increased metabolic rate (a), high body temperature (c), and weight loss (d) are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

The pancreas contains clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans. The beta cells within these islets are responsible for producing and secreting insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar levels.

• Alpha cells produce glucagon (raises blood sugar).

• Delta cells produce somatostatin (inhibits other hormones).

• The adrenal cortex produces corticosteroids, not insulin.

Estrogen and progesterone receptor assays are performed on tissue from a breast cancer biopsy. If the cancer cells have these receptors (are ER-positive and/or PR-positive), it means their growth is stimulated by hormones. This identifies patients who are highly likely to benefit from endocrine (hormone) therapy drugs that block this stimulation.

• While ovarian cancer (a) is hormonally influenced, these specific assays are not used to guide its primary therapy in the same way.

• Endometriosis (c) and amenorrhea (d) are not cancers.

Aldosterone secretion is directly stimulated by Angiotensin II, which is the active component of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).

• Renin (a) converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.

• Angiotensinogen (b) is the precursor protein.

• Angiotensin I (c) is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroid hormones, including:

• Cortisol (a glucocorticoid)

• Aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid)

• Androgens (sex hormones)

Epinephrine is secreted by the adrenal medulla, not the cortex.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the primary regulator of calcium levels in the blood. It increases blood calcium by:

• Stimulating bone breakdown to release calcium.

• Increasing calcium reabsorption in the kidneys.

• Activating vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption from the intestines.

Cortisol secretion follows a diurnal (circadian) rhythm. It is normally highest in the early morning (around 7-8 AM) and lowest around midnight. Therefore, a higher cortisol level in the morning sample compared to the evening sample is the expected, normal pattern.

• Cushing syndrome (b) is characterized by a loss of this diurnal rhythm, leading to high levels at both times or a lack of the normal morning peak.

• Addison disease (c) and hypopituitarism (d) would show low cortisol levels at all times.

The pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it controls the function of many other endocrine glands in the body (like the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands) by releasing hormones that regulate their activities.

The key difference lies in the level of ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone):

• Primary (Addison’s): The problem is in the adrenal glands themselves. The pituitary gland senses low cortisol and responds by secreting high levels of ACTH in a failed attempt to stimulate the adrenals.

• Secondary (Pituitary): The problem is in the pituitary gland. It fails to produce ACTH, leading to low ACTH levels and understimulated (but otherwise functional) adrenal glands.

• Aldosterone is typically low in primary but may be normal in secondary.

• Cortisol is low in both.

This combination is diagnostic for primary hypothyroidism due to an autoimmune cause like Hashimoto thyroiditis:

• TSH increased: The pituitary gland is overproducing TSH because it’s trying to stimulate a failing thyroid.

• Free T4 decreased: The thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormone despite the high TSH.

• Antithyroglobulin antibody positive: Indicates autoimmune destruction of the thyroid, which is the cause of the failure.

 Aldosterone is the primary and most potent mineralocorticoid. Its main function is to regulate sodium and potassium balance by acting on the kidneys to increase sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, which helps control blood pressure and fluid volume.

• Cortisol (a) has weak mineralocorticoid activity but is primarily a glucocorticoid.

• Corticosterone (c) is a glucocorticoid in humans.

• DHEA (d) is an androgen precursor.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after implantation. It is the hormone detected by all home pregnancy tests and quantitative blood tests to confirm and monitor early pregnancy.

A surge of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland triggers the release of a mature egg from the ovary (ovulation).

• FSH (a) is involved in the development of the ovarian follicle before ovulation.

• TSH (c) stimulates the thyroid gland.

• HCG (d) is produced by the placenta during pregnancy.

 Luteinizing Hormone (LH) causes the mature follicle in the ovary to rupture and release an egg, which is the process of ovulation.

• FSH (a) stimulates follicle development in the ovaries.

• Estrogen (c) and Progesterone (d) are ovarian hormones that prepare and maintain the uterine lining.

Cholesterol is the fundamental precursor for the synthesis of all steroid hormones. The adrenal cortex uses cholesterol to produce glucocorticoids (like cortisol), mineralocorticoids (like aldosterone), and androgens. These can be further converted into other steroids, including estrogens.

• Cortisol (a) and progesterone (c) are products of steroid biosynthesis, not the initial substrate.

• Catecholamines (b) are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, not cholesterol.

TSH stands for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland and its primary function is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce and release its own hormones, T3 and T4.

• FSH stimulates the ovaries or testes.

• ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands.

• GH is growth hormone.

Insulin’s primary role is to lower blood glucose levels. It does this by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells and stimulating the conversion of glucose into glycogen (glycogenesis) for storage.

• Increase blood glucose is the function of glucagon.

• Convert glycogen to glucose is glycogenolysis, stimulated by glucagon.

• Stimulate lipolysis (fat breakdown) is inhibited by insulin.

Aldosterone’s primary action is to increase the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys. This action also leads to:

• Decreased sodium excretion (opposite of option a).

• Increased potassium excretion (opposite of option b).

• Increased water retention (opposite of option d), as water follows the reabsorbed sodium, helping to maintain blood pressure and fluid volume.

This combination of lab results is classic for hyperparathyroidism:

• Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH): The primary driver of the condition.

• Increased serum calcium: PTH acts to raise blood calcium levels by releasing it from bones and increasing kidney reabsorption.

• Decreased serum phosphate: PTH decreases phosphate reabsorption in the kidneys, causing it to be excreted in the urine.

• Hypoparathyroidism (b) would show low PTH and low calcium.

• Nephrosis (c) and steatorrhea (d) are not primarily characterized by this specific pattern.

The patient’s symptoms (“cold all the time,” weight gain) are classic for hypothyroidism. The lab result—an elevated TSH with a normal reference range of 0.5-5.0 μU/mL—indicates that the pituitary gland is producing more TSH in an attempt to stimulate a failing thyroid gland. This pattern is diagnostic for primary hypothyroidism (a disorder of the thyroid gland itself).

• Graves’ disease (b) and primary hyperthyroidism (d) would show a low TSH.

• A TSH-secreting tumor (c) is very rare and would cause hyperthyroidism with high TSH and high T4.

Progesterone is the primary hormone that maintains pregnancy. It prepares the uterine lining (endometrium) for implantation of a fertilized egg and helps maintain a supportive environment for the developing embryo.

• LH (a) triggers ovulation.

• Estrogen (b) helps build the uterine lining.

• Oxytocin (d) stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

TSH is the best initial screening test for thyroid disorders because it is highly sensitive to changes in thyroid hormone levels.

• High TSH → suggests hypothyroidism

• Low TSH → suggests hyperthyroidism
  Free T4 and T3 are measured next to confirm and classify the disorder.

Feedback control, primarily negative feedback, is a key mechanism in the endocrine system. It works like a thermostat to maintain hormone levels within a narrow, optimal range. When a hormone level rises, it signals the gland to reduce its secretion, and vice-versa, ensuring balance and preventing overproduction or deficiency.

Cushing’s syndrome is a disorder caused by excessively high levels of cortisol in the body over a long period. This can be due to the body producing too much or from taking high doses of corticosteroid medications.

• Decreased cortisol (a) causes Addison’s disease.

• It is not primarily defined by changes in aldosterone (c) or insulin (d).

The 24-hour urine free cortisol test is considered one of the best screening tests for hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome). It measures the total cortisol production over a full day, which helps to account for the normal diurnal fluctuations and episodic secretion of cortisol, giving a more accurate picture of overall cortisol output than a single, random plasma level.

• A single 8 AM plasma cortisol (a) can be normal in Cushing’s and misses the loss of diurnal rhythm.

• Collecting plasma at 8 AM on two days (c) still only captures single time points and misses the overall daily production.

• The metyrapone test (d) is a dynamic test used to diagnose the cause of Cushing’s, not for the initial screening of excess production.

 The intact PTH molecule (1-84) is the biologically active form secreted by the parathyroid glands. Measuring this specific form provides the most accurate assessment of parathyroid gland function and is the standard test used in clinical practice to diagnose disorders like hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

• PTHrP (a) is a different hormone associated with some cancers.

• C-terminal (b) and N-terminal (d) fragments are not routinely measured as they are less specific and do not reflect active gland secretion as accurately.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (androgen). It is responsible for the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics.

• Progesterone (a) and Estrogen (b) are primary female sex hormones.

• Cortisol (d) is a stress hormone from the adrenal cortex.

The posterior pituitary does not produce hormones itself. Instead, it stores and releases two hormones that are made by the hypothalamus:

• ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone): Regulates water balance.

• Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

• ACTH, GH, FSH, and LH are all produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary.

• T3 and T4 are produced by the thyroid gland.

Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This is its primary and most direct action, leading to an immediate increase in blood pressure.

While it also stimulates (not decreases) aldosterone secretion (d), vasoconstriction is its major and most rapid effect.

 The combination of high T4 and a markedly low TSH is diagnostic for primary hyperthyroidism (a disorder where the problem is in the thyroid gland itself, not the pituitary).

• Graves’ disease is the most common cause of primary hyperthyroidism, and its symptoms perfectly match the patient’s presentation (muscle weakness, racing heart, sweating).

• While a thyroid adenoma (b) can also cause hyperthyroidism, Graves’ is the most likely classic presentation.

• Panhypopituitarism (c) would cause low levels of all pituitary hormones, including TSH, but would also result in low (not high) T4.

• Primary hypothyroidism (d) shows high TSH and low T4.

Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone that acts primarily on the kidneys. Its main function is to regulate the body’s sodium and potassium balance, which in turn helps control blood pressure and fluid volume. It promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the renal tubules.

Hyperthyroidism results from an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which accelerates the body’s metabolism. This leads to symptoms like:

• Weight loss (despite increased appetite)

• Heat intolerance and excessive sweating

• Tremors or shaking hands

• Anxiety and rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

• The symptoms in option a (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance) are characteristic of hypothyroidism.

Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by:

• Glycogenolysis: Breaking down stored glycogen in the liver into glucose.

• Gluconeogenesis: Promoting the production of new glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (like amino acids).

• Glycolysis (a) breaks down glucose for energy, which lowers blood sugar.

• Fatty acid synthesis (c) and protein synthesis (d) are processes not primarily stimulated by glucagon to increase blood glucose.

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. It plays a key role in the body’s response to stress, metabolism regulation, and reducing inflammation.

• Thyroid gland (a) secretes T3 and T4.

• Adrenal medulla (c) secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine.

• Pituitary gland (d) secretes hormones like TSH and ACTH, which stimulate other glands.

The main role of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone or Vasopressin) is to conserve water in the body. It does this by making the kidneys reabsorb more water from the urine back into the bloodstream, resulting in more concentrated urine and less water loss.

• Stimulate urine production (b) is the opposite effect.

• Decrease sodium reabsorption (c) is not its primary function.

• Promote sweating (d) would increase water loss.

Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism typically measures either:

• Total T4 in a blood spot, with a follow-up TSH if T4 is low, or

• TSH as the primary screen.

Many programs use a primary TSH with backup T4 testing. This combination is effective for early detection, which is crucial for preventing intellectual disability.

The standard laboratory tests for diagnosing thyroid disorders measure:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): The most sensitive and initial test.

• T4 (Thyroxine): Measures the main hormone produced.

• T3 (Triiodothyronine): Measures the more active hormone.

This panel assesses the function of both the pituitary gland (TSH) and the thyroid gland itself (T3, T4).

• Cortisol/ACTH (b) is for adrenal disorders.

• Insulin/glucagon (c) is for pancreatic function and diabetes.

• GH/prolactin (d) is for pituitary-related growth or lactation issues.

The lab results point directly to primary hypothyroidism:

• Increased TSH: The pituitary gland is releasing more Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone because it’s trying to stimulate a failing thyroid.

• Decreased T4 (total and free): The thyroid gland is not responding adequately to the high TSH, leading to low levels of thyroid hormone.

• Positive thyroid peroxidase antibody: This indicates an autoimmune cause, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).

• Hyperthyroidism/Graves’ disease (a, d) would show low TSH and high T4.

Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatotropin, is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration.

• The thyroid gland (a) secretes T3/T4.

• The adrenal cortex (b) secretes corticosteroids.

• The posterior pituitary (d) stores and releases oxytocin and ADH.

The thyroid gland primarily produces Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), which are crucial for regulating metabolism.

• TSH and ACTH are hormones from the pituitary gland.

• FSH and LH are pituitary hormones involved in reproduction.

• Insulin and glucagon are hormones from the pancreas that regulate blood sugar.

The adrenal gland has two parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla. The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which are responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response.

• Cortisol and aldosterone are secreted by the adrenal cortex.

The definitive diagnostic test for primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) is the ACTH stimulation test (Cosyntropin test). In this condition, the adrenal cortex is damaged and cannot produce cortisol, even when directly stimulated by synthetic ACTH. A failure of cortisol levels to rise adequately confirms the diagnosis.

• Decreased urinary steroids (a) and decreased cortisol production (b) are characteristic but not definitive, as they can occur in other conditions.

• Increased urinary cortisol after metyrapone (d) is a test for secondary insufficiency and would be absent in primary failure.

 Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a major metabolite of dopamine. Neuroblastoma, a common malignant childhood tumor of neural crest origin, often produces excessive catecholamines, including dopamine. Therefore, elevated levels of HVA in urine are a key diagnostic and monitoring tool for this tumor.

• Cushing disease (a) is diagnosed with cortisol tests.

• Conn disease (c) is primary hyperaldosteronism.

• Graves disease (d) is diagnosed with thyroid function tests.

A deficiency in the 21-hydroxylase enzyme blocks the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol. This causes a buildup of the precursor, 17-OH-progesterone, which is the key diagnostic marker for this most common form of CAH.

• Cortisol (a) and aldosterone (b) levels are typically low due to the enzyme block.

• 11-deoxycortisol (d) is the product of the 17-hydroxylase step, not the 21-hydroxylase step, and its level would be low.

Prolactin is the hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that directly stimulates milk production (lactation) in the mammary glands after childbirth.

• Oxytocin (a) stimulates milk ejection or “let-down,” not its production.

The thyroid gland produces hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolic rate. This affects how the body uses energy, produces heat, and controls growth and development.

While estradiol is the predominant estrogen in non-pregnant women, estriol becomes the main estrogen produced during pregnancy. It is synthesized by the placenta and is one of the biomarkers measured in the maternal serum quadruple screen test, which is used for prenatal screening of fetal abnormalities.

 A significantly lower than median MSAFP (Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein) level at 16 weeks is a marker associated with an increased risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities, particularly Down syndrome (trisomy 21). This is why it is part of the maternal serum screening panel.

• A neural tube defect (a) causes a high MSAFP.

• Multiple births (b) also cause a high MSAFP.

• While many pregnancies with low MSAFP are normal (d), the result specifically increases the statistical risk for a trisomy.