USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the USA Biology Olympiad with engaging flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

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Which hormone's production is decreased when a person takes cortisol medication?

CRF
ACTH
Insulin
Adrenaline

The correct answer is: ACTH

The choice is based on how the body regulates hormone levels through feedback mechanisms. When a person takes cortisol medication, the external supply of cortisol leads to an increase in circulating cortisol levels in the body. The hypothalamus responds to elevated cortisol levels by reducing the production of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which is the hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). As cortisol levels remain elevated due to medication, the pituitary gland senses this increase and subsequently decreases the secretion of ACTH. Lower ACTH levels reduce stimulation of the adrenal glands, which in turn lowers the production of cortisol from the adrenal cortex. The decrease in ACTH is a critical part of the negative feedback loop that regulates hormone levels in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This mechanism helps maintain homeostasis and ensures that cortisol levels do not become excessively high, which can be detrimental to health. Therefore, the correct answer is that the production of ACTH is decreased when a person takes cortisol medication.