Chapter 5
Endocrine System and Adolescence
Class 8 - Concise Biology Selina
Objective Type Questions
Question 1(a)
Cortisone hormone is secreted by :
1. Medulla of adrenal
2. Cortex of adrenal
3. Pancreas
4. Thyroid
Answer
Cortex of adrenal
Reason — The adrenal cortex secretes Cortisone.
Question 1(b)
Which one of the following hormones stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver into
glucose?
1. Insulin
2. Adrenaline
3. Glucagon
4. Thyroxine
Answer
Glucagon
Reason — Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen in the liver to glucose.
Question 1(c)
Which one of the following hormones converts excess of glucose into glycogen
1. Glucagon
2. Thyroxine
3. Insulin
4. Adrenaline
Answer
Insulin
Reason — Insulin converts extra glucose to glycogen which is ultimately stored in the liver
and muscles.
Question 1(d)
Which one of the following glands is also called the master gland :
1. Pituitary gland
2. Adrenal gland
3. Thyroid gland
4. Ovary
Answer
Pituitary gland
Reason — Pituitary gland regulates the activity of other endocrine glands. So, it is also called
the "master gland".
Question 1(e)
The emergency hormone to face the danger or to fight is secreted by:
1. Islets of Langerhans
2. Adrenal cortex
3. Pituitary
4. Adrenal medulla
Answer
Adrenal medulla
Reason — Adrenaline hormone is also called the "fight or flight hormone". It is secreted by
Adrenal medulla.
Question 1(f)
Which one of the following endocrine glands produces its hormone in large quantities as a
result of emotional stimulation?
1. Thyroid
2. Islets of Langerhans
3. Adrenal medulla
4. Adrenal cortex
Answer
Adrenal medulla
Reason — Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline (also called epinephrine or emergency
hormone). This hormone is secreted when a person is under severe stress (physical or
emotional).
Question 1(g)
In humans, increased thyroxine production results in:
1. Increased metabolism
2. Decreased metabolism
3. Dwarfism
4. Cretinism
Answer
Increased metabolism
Reason — Oversecretion of thyroxine causes an increased metabolic rate.
Question 1(h)
Akash is suffering from a disease caused due to insufficient secretion of thyroxine. It shows
general sluggishness with swelling on the face and hands. This disease is caused due to the
deficiency of :
1. Iron
2. Iodine
3. Calcium
4. Phosphorus
Answer
Iodine
Reason — Myxoedema is is a condition seen in an adult when insufficient amount of
thyroxine is produced. It shows general sluggishness with swelling on the face and hands,
caused due to the deficiency of Iodine.
Question 1(i)
Pituitary gland is considered as the 'master gland' of the body. Which of the following
reasons supports this statement?
P. It is a pea-sized gland.
Q. It is the largest and strongest gland.
R. It regulates the activities of all other endocrine glands.
1. Only P and R
2. Only Q
3. Only R
4. Only P and Q
Answer
Only R
Reason — Pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland, located below the brain. However, it is called
the 'master gland' due to the fact that it secretes several hormones, some of which regulate the
activity of other endocrine glands.
Question 1(j)
Aman is in the state of mental or emotional strain which can be termed as 'stress'. In simple
terms, people call it 'tension'. Which of the following ways can help Aman manage his stress?
P. Yoga and exercise.
Q. Uncontrolled eating and watching television.
R. Deep breathing and meditation
1. Only P and Q
2. Only Q and R
3. Only Q
4. Only P and R
Answer
Only P and R
Reason — Yoga, exercise, deep breathing and meditation are among the few methods that
help manage stress or tension.
Assertion Reason Type Questions
Question 2(a)
Assertion (A): The exocrine glands send their secretions (enzymes) to the target organs
through ducts.
Reason (R): Such glands are called exocrine glands because their secretions act on the
surface of organs.
1. Both A and R are true.
2. Both A and R are false.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are true.
Explanation — Exocrine glands send their secretions (enzymes) to the target organs through
ducts. These secretions usually act on the surface of organs, such as the skin or digestive
tract.
Question 2(b)
Assertion (A): Endocrine glands pour their secretions directly into the blood in very large
quantities.
Reason (R): Hormones are utilized in very large quantities continuously throughout the body
as these secretions regulate the growth and development as well as many other metabolic
activities of the body.
1. Both A and R are true.
2. Both A and R are false.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are false.
Explanation — The endocrine glands have no ducts and they pour their secretions
(hormones) directly into the blood. The secretions of these glands or hormones are secreted in
very small quantities, and are carried to all parts of the body.
Question 2(c)
Assertion (A): Thyroxine is the hormone which regulates basal metabolism of the body and
speeds up the rate of most activities of the body.
Reason (R): Its undersecretion is harmful which can cause different types of ailments but its
oversecretion is very important as it increases the metobolic rate of the body.
1. Both A and R are true.
2. Both A and R are false.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
Answer
A is true and R is false.
Explanation — Thyroxine is an iodine-containing hormone and is very important for our
body. However, its oversecretion is harmful too as it can cause an increase in metabolic rate
and heartbeat, weight loss, restlessness, and other issues.
Question 2(d)
Assertion (A): The hormone epinephrine is secreted by the Adrenal cortex when a person is
under stress (physical or emotional), fearful or angry.
Reason (R): This hormone prepares the body to meet any emergency situation, i.e. to face
the danger or flee from a situation.
1. Both A and R are true.
2. Both A and R are false.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
Answer
A is false and R is true.
Explanation — Adrenal Medulla secretes adrenaline or epinephrine hormone, when a person
is under severe stress (physical or emotional), fearful or angry. This hormone provides extra
energy and strength to the body in any adverse (or emergency) situation.
Question 2(e)
Assertion (A): Oversecretion of insulin causes diabetes mellitus.
Reason (R): Insulin converts glycogen to glucose which increases blood sugar.
1. Both A and R are true.
2. Both A and R are false.
3. A is true and R is false.
4. A is false and R is true.
Answer
Both A and R are false.
Explanation — Insulin promotes the conversion of extra glucose to glycogen which is
ultimately stored in the liver and muscles. Hence, insufficient secretion of insulin leads to an
increase in the concentration of sugar (glucose) in the blood causing diabetes mellitus.
Match the following
Question 3
Match the items in Column A with those in Column B.
Column A Colu
Cretinism Pituitary Gland
Diabetes Mellitus Abnormal development of infant
Increased metabolic rate Oversecretion of thyroxine
Simple goitre Insufficient iodine in food
Growth hormone Insufficient insulin in blood
Answer
Column A Colu
Cretinism Abnormal development of infant
Diabetes Mellitus Insufficient insulin in blood
Increased metabolic rate Oversecretion of thyroxine
Simple goitre Insufficient iodine in food
Growth hormone Pituitary gland
Short Answer Questions
Question 1(a)
Define Endocrine glands.
Answer
Endocrine glands are ductless glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
Question 1(b)
Define Cretinism.
Answer
Cretinism is a condition resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone in fetal or early life,
characterized by intellectual disability, short stature and mental retardation.
Question 1(c)
Define Glucagon.
Answer
Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas which raises the concentration of glucose
by breaking glycogen in the liver.
Question 1(d)
Define Adolescence.
Answer
The period of life, when the body undergoes changes, leading to reproductive maturity, is
called adolescence. In other words, adolescence is transitional phase of growth and
development between childhood and adulthood.
Question 1(e)
Define Puberty.
Answer
Puberty is the period during which immature reproductive system in boys and girls matures
and becomes capable of reproduction.
Question 1(f)
Define Hormone
Answer
Hormone is a regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids
such as blood to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
Question 2
In table given below, fill in the blanks by naming endocrine glands, the hormones they
secrete, and the function they perform, in a normal person.
[Link]. Name of the gland Hormone produced
1. Thyroid ............... ..............
2. ............... Insulin ..............
3. ............... ............... Prepares
4. ............... Growth Hormone ..............
Answer
[Link] Name of the gland Hormone produced
1. Thyroid Thyroxine Control of
2. Pancreas Insulin Regulation
3. Adrenal Medulla Adrenaline Prepares th
4. Pituitary Growth Hormone Speeds up
Question 3
Write the exact locations of the following :
(a) Thyroid gland
(b) Adrenal gland
(c) Pancreas
(d) Pituitary gland
(e) Adam's apple
Answer
(a) Thyroid gland — The thyroid gland is located on either side of the wind pipe, just below
the larynx.
(b) Adrenal gland — The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney like caps.
(c) Pancreas — The pancreas is located behind the stomach.
(d) Pituitary gland — The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, below the
hypothalamus.
(e) Adam's apple — The Adam's apple is located in the protruding part of the throat.
Question 4
Name the source and the function of each of the following hormones:
Hormone Source
(a) Glucagon ...............
(b) Thyroxine ...............
(c) Adrenaline ...............
(d) Insulin ...............
(e) Cortisone ...............
Answer
Hormone Source Function
(a) Glucagon Pancreas Breakdown of glycogen to glucose. Raises sugar in the blood.
(b) Thyroxine Thyroid gland Control of metabolic Rate .
(c) Adrenaline Adrenal Medulla Prepare the body to face emergency, stress.
(d) Insulin Pancreas Regulation of sugar in blood.
(e) Cortisone Adrenal cortex Influence carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Regulate t
Long Answer Questions
Question 1(a)
Distinguish between the following pair on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets.
Exocrine and Endocrine glands (secretion)
Answer
Difference between Exocrine and Endocrine glands on the basis of secretion:
Characteristic Exocrine glands
Exocrine glands secrete their products like sweat, enzyme, Endocrine glands s
Secretion
mucus, sebum, saliva, milk, etc. into ducts. hormones, directly
Question 1(b)
Distinguish between the following pair on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets.
Cretinism and Myxoedema (symptoms)
Answer
Difference between Cretinism and Myxoedema on the basis of symptoms:
Characteristic Cretinism My
Cretinism occurs in infants resulting in physical Myxoedema occurs in adults and is
Symptoms
and mental retardation. sluggishness with swelling on face
Question 1(c)
Distinguish between the following pair on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets.
Insulin and Glucagon (function)
Answer
Difference between Insulin and Glucagon on the basis of function:
Characteristic Insulin
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of Glucagon raises b
Function glucose into cells and its conversion to glycogen in the liver and conversion of gly
muscles. muscles.
Question 1(d)
Distinguish between the following pair on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets.
Thyroxine and adrenaline (source)
Answer
Difference between Thyroxine and Adrenaline on the basis of source:
Characteristic Thyroxine
Source Thyroxine is produced by the thyroid gland. Adrenaline is produ
Question 1(e)
Distinguish between the following pair on the basis of the words indicated in the brackets.
Human male and female hormone (one example of each)
Answer
Difference between Human male and female hormone on the basis of one example of each:
Characteristic Human male hormone H
One example A common male hormone is testosterone. An example of a fem
Question 2(a)
Give reason/explain — Pituitary gland is considered as the "master gland".
Answer
Pituitary gland secretes some hormones that regulate the activity of other endocrine glands.
So, the pituitary gland is also called the "master gland".
Question 2(b)
Give reason/explain — Epinephrine is also called as the 'emergency hormone'.
Answer
Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress.
This hormone prepares the body to meet any emergency situation i.e., to face the danger or
flee from a situation. Hence it is called the 'fight or flight hormone' or the 'emergency
hormone'.
Question 3
Draw neat and labelled diagrams of the thyroid gland showing its :
(a) Front view
(b) Back view
Answer
(a) Below labelled diagram shows the front view of the thyroid gland:
(b) Below labelled diagram shows the back view of the thyroid gland:
Question 4
Briefly write about the importance of physical hygiene during adolescence.
Answer
Physical hygiene plays a very important role in maintaining one's own health during
adolescence. Following are some important practices for maintaining physical hygiene:
1. Proper and safe food:
i. To support rapid growth and development during adolescence, an adolescent
should take a balanced diet including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals,
and vitamins. Milk, fruits and fresh vegetables should be part of the regular
diet.
ii. Avoid stale food and excessive fast food.
iii. Perishable food items should be properly stored in refrigerator.
2. Proper lifestyle:
i. Avoid long hours of continuous table work.
ii. Avoid watching television and playing computer games for long hours.
iii. Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol and drugs.
3. Cleanliness:
i. Washing hands with soap before and after meals, brushing teeth, taking
regular bath, regular toilet habits should be followed.
ii. Clothes, especially undergarments should be changed daily. Wearing very
tight clothes should be avoided.
iii. Eyes should be washed daily with clean and cold water. Rubbing of eyes with
hands should be avoided to prevent entry of germs.
iv. Lack of cleanliness may lead to bacterial infection. Girls should take special
care of cleanliness during the time of their menstrual cycle.
4. Physical Exercise:
i. All young boys and girls should walk, exercise and play outdoor games
regularly.
ii. Physical activity is important to combat the stress and strain of adolescence.
Question 5
Briefly discuss any four activities which can be practiced to overcome stress.
Answer
Four activities which can be practiced to overcome stress are:
1. Yoga — Yoga is a mind body practice that combines physical poses, controlled
breathing and meditation or relaxation. It helps to reduce stress with:
i. Increased flexibility.
ii. Increased muscle strength and tone.
iii. Improved respiration, energy and vitality.
iv. Weight reduction.
v. Improved athletic performance.
2. Exercise — Just 30 to 45 minutes of exercise at least three times a week can make
one feel much healthier. Regular exercise can be done by running/jogging, swimming,
cricket, football, hockey, etc.
3. Proper sleep schedule — Sound and timely sleep helps one to reduce the level of
stress.
4. Reading — It is a great way to calm the mind and to gain knowledge.