Endocrine System Exam Questions Answers Related

Review Endocrine System Exam Questions Answers related questions and content

In the adrenal medulla:

  • A. epinephrine is formed by the hydroxylation and decarboxylation of tyrosine
  • B. 10% of the cells are the epinephrine-secreting type
  • C. plasma norepinephrine levels are generally unchanged after adrenalectomy
  • D. catecholamine t1/2 is 10 minutes in the circulation
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Choice C: Plasma norepinephrine levels are generally unchanged after adrenalectomy in the adrenal medulla because norepinephrine is mainly produced by postganglionic sympathetic nerve endings rather than the adrenal medulla. Adrenalectomy removes the adrenal gland, which primarily secretes epinephrine, not norepinephrine. Therefore, plasma norepinephrine levels would not be significantly affected by adrenalectomy.

Summary of other choices:
A: Incorrect. Epinephrine is formed from norepinephrine, not tyrosine, through methylation and hydroxylation.
B: Incorrect. The majority of cells in the adrenal medulla are epinephrine-secreting cells, not just 10%.
D: Incorrect. The half-life of catecholamines in the circulation is very short, around 2 minutes, not 10 minutes.