Julie was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor of the thyroid

Julie was diagnosed with an aggressive tumor of the thyroid. Surgery was performed to remove the thyroid. However, post-operatively, Julie\'s blood calcium levels began declining to life-threatening levels. This decline is most likely due to

Select one:

a. thyroid hormone replacement therapy after the surgery.

b. damage to the anterior pituitary during surgery.

c. accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery.

d. improper laboratory handling of blood samples.

e. post-traumatic stress disorder.

Which statement is incorrect?

Select one:

a. Endocrine glands lack ducts.

b. The effect of hormones is shorter than the effect of nerve impulses.

c. Steroid hormones are carried in the blood by transport proteins.

d. Hormones may have widespread, distant effects on the body.

e. A common second-messenger is cyclic AMP.

Solution

1)
Calcium is one of the most important elements in the human body with a diverse range of biological effects. It is therefore one of the highly regulated mineral in the body. This regulation is mainly the function of the parathyroid glands, which lie adjacent to the thyroid glands. During a Thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland), the parathyroid may get removed accidently or it could get damaged during surgery. This in turn will lead to low blood calcium levels.
Therefore, the correct option is option C - accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery.

2)
Hormones comprise of short peptides or steroid molecules that are released in response to a stimuli. They are regulated by the endocrine system. Nerve impulses refer to the tranmission of a message through the nerves via action potentials, and are aided by neurotransmitters. They are regulated by the nervous system.
Now, responses to nervous system stimulation are rapid, but short lived. On the other hand, the response of the endocrine system after stimulation may not be as rapid as those of nerve impulses. However, their effect is more prolonged as compared to nerve impulses.

Therefore, the incorrect option is Option B - The effect of hormones is shorter than the effect of nerve impulses.