GED Science TestLife ScienceEasy
A patient presents with symptoms of extreme thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Blood tests reveal persistently high blood glucose levels. These symptoms are most indicative of a malfunction in which of the following organs?
- APancreas
- BKidneys
- CLiver
- DThyroid
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Pancreas
High blood glucose, accompanied by extreme thirst and frequent urination, are classic symptoms of diabetes, which is caused by the pancreas's inability to produce or properly utilize insulin.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The kidneys filter blood and excrete excess glucose, but they are responding to high glucose, not causing it.
- C. The liver plays a role in glucose storage and release, but the primary malfunction causing these symptoms is not typically liver-centric.
- D. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, but its primary dysfunction does not typically manifest as persistently high blood glucose.
Pancreas Function (Glucose Regulation)
The pancreas is an endocrine gland that produces hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon, which are essential for regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body.
- Insulin lowers blood glucose.
- Glucagon raises blood glucose.
- Dysfunction leads to diabetes.
Memory trick: Pancreas: The body's Sugar Police.