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Ch. 45 - Hormones and the Endocrine System
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 45, Problem 4

Which hormone is correctly paired with its action?
a. Oxytocin — stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
b. Thyroxine — inhibits metabolic processes
c. ACTH — inhibits the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex
d. Melatonin — raises blood calcium level

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the hormones and their functions from the problem statement: (A) oxytocin—stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth, (B) thyroxine—inhibits metabolic processes, (C) ACTH—inhibits the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal cortex, (D) melatonin—raises blood calcium level.
Recall the primary functions of each hormone: Oxytocin is known for stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Thyroxine (T4) is involved in regulating metabolism. ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids. Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not involved in calcium regulation.
Compare the given functions with the known functions of each hormone: Oxytocin's function in the problem matches its known role in childbirth. Thyroxine's function in the problem contradicts its role in metabolism. ACTH's function in the problem contradicts its role in stimulating glucocorticoid release. Melatonin's function in the problem contradicts its role in sleep regulation.
Analyze the options: Option (A) correctly pairs oxytocin with its action of stimulating uterine contractions during childbirth. Options (B), (C), and (D) incorrectly describe the functions of thyroxine, ACTH, and melatonin, respectively.
Conclude that the correct pairing is option (A) oxytocin—stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth, based on the known functions of the hormones.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions, facilitating labor. Additionally, oxytocin is involved in lactation, promoting milk ejection during breastfeeding. It is also associated with social bonding and emotional connections.
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Thyroxine

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It is essential for regulating metabolism, influencing the rate at which cells convert nutrients into energy. Contrary to the option in the question, thyroxine does not inhibit metabolic processes; instead, it stimulates them, affecting growth, development, and overall energy levels in the body.
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ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids, such as cortisol. These hormones are vital for stress response, metabolism regulation, and immune function. The option in the question incorrectly states that ACTH inhibits glucocorticoid release, whereas it actually promotes it.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which statement is accurate?

a. Hormones that differ in effect reach their target cells by different routes through the body.

b. Pairs of hormones that have the same effect are said to have antagonistic functions.

c. Hormones are often regulated through feedback loops.

d. Hormones of the same chemical class usually have the same function.

Textbook Question

The hypothalamus

a. Synthesizes all of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland.

b. Influences the function of only one lobe of the pituitary gland.

c. Produces only inhibitory hormones.

d. Regulates both reproduction and body temperature.

Textbook Question

Growth factors are local regulators that

a. Are produced by the anterior pituitary.

b. Are modified fatty acids that stimulate bone and cartilage growth.

c. Are found on the surface of cancer cells and stimulate abnormal cell division.

d. Bind to cell-surface receptors and stimulate growth and development of target cells.

Textbook Question

What do steroid and peptide hormones typically have in common?

a. Their solubility in cell membranes

b. Their requirement for travel through the bloodstream

c. The location of their receptors

d. Their reliance on signal transduction in the cell

Textbook Question

Which of the following is the most likely explanation for hypothyroidism in a patient whose iodine level is normal?

a. Greater production of T3 than of T4

b. Hyposecretion of TSH

c. Hypersecretion of MSH

d. A decrease in the thyroid secretion of calcitonin

Textbook Question

The relationship between the insect hormones ecdysteroid and PTTH is an example of

a. An interaction of the endocrine and nervous systems.

b. Homeostasis achieved by positive feedback.

c. Homeostasis maintained by antagonistic hormones.

d. Competitive inhibition of a hormone receptor.