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Question 1
Correct
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What is the effect of vasopressin on the kidney?
Your Answer: Increase collecting duct permeability to water
Explanation:Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH, which increases water reabsorption in the kidney’s collecting ducts. It works by increasing water permeability in the collecting ducts and distal convoluted tubules. It induces the exocytosis of AQP-CD-laden vesicles, transferring water channels from intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membrane, therefore allowing more water to be reabsorbed from the urine in the collecting ducts to the blood.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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As assessed by immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy, the anterior pituitary gland contains how many different types of cells?
Your Answer: 5
Explanation:The pituitary is divided into three sections
-the anterior lobe which constitute the majority of the pituitary mass and is composed primarily of five hormone-producing cell types (thyrotropes, lactotropes, corticotropes, somatotropes and gonadotropes) each secreting thyrotropin, prolactin, ACTH, growth hormone and gonadotropins (FSH and LH) respectively.
There is also a sixth cell type in the anterior lobe -the non-endocrine, agranular, folliculostellate cells.
The intermediate lobe produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone and endorphins, whereas the posterior lobe secretes anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin) and oxytocin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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Embryologically the anterior pituitary is formed from?
Your Answer: Rathkes pouch
Explanation:The ectoderm, located in the roof of the pharynx, forms Rathke’s pouch, which comes into contact with the ectoderm of the developing brain. The pouch eventually separates from the pharynx, becoming the anterior pituitary.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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The onset of puberty is triggered by
Your Answer: Increase in pulsatile GNRH secretion from hypothalamus
Explanation:The onset of puberty is associated with high GNRH pulsing, which precedes the rise in sex hormones. Brain tumours which increase GNRH output may also lead to premature puberty. The cause of the GNRH rise is unknown.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following stimulates glucagon release?
Your Answer: Exercise
Explanation:Studies have shown a small increase in glucagon levels during stress tests and exercise. This occurs in response to the reduction of blood glucose levels during physical activity; epinephrine levels are also a stimulus for the release of glucagon during exercise, since it suppresses insulin, which accounts for its stimulatory effects on glucagon. The use of stored fats for energy during exercise also stimulates the release of glucagon.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Correct
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Choose the most correct missing words to complete the statement: A portion of circulating growth hormone is bound to the ____ receptor and activates the ____ pathway that mediates its effect.
Your Answer: Growth hormone receptor (extracellular domain), jak 2stat
Explanation:The growth hormone receptor is a transmembrane protein involved in the STATs, MAPK and PI3-kinase/Akt pathways. The JAK-STAT signalling pathway is activated by different ligands, such as growth hormone, interferon and interleukin. This pathway is involved in the expression of genes associated with oncogenesis, immunity, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Errors in these pathways can produce leukaemia’s and other myeloproliferative disorders.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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Which of the following factors is most likely to lead to an increase in serum cortisol levels?
Your Answer: Severe emotional stress
Explanation:Cortisol is widely known as the stress hormone. Alterations in cortisol levels have been found in relation to mood disorders, illness, trauma, pain, fear, exertion, and anxiety, amongst other stimuli.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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With regards to the deiodinases, where would you find D1?
Your Answer: Liver
Explanation:The liver produces an important amount of T3 by outer ring deiodination thanks to its elevated concentration of type I deiodinase. It can also be found in the kidney.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?
Your Answer: 5α-reductase
Explanation:The enzyme 5α-reductase synthesizes DHT from testosterone in the prostate, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands. This enzyme reduces the 4,5 double-bond of the testosterone. Relative to testosterone, DHT is much more potent as an agonist of the androgen receptor.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Correct
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In which of the following are the enzymatic mechanisms for producing aldosterone found?
Your Answer: Zona glomerulosa
Explanation:The zona glomerulosa is the outermost layer of the adrenal gland. In it, aldosterone is secreted as a response to an increase in potassium levels, decreased blood flow, or renin. This secretion is regulated by the renin-angiotensin system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 11
Correct
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Which one of the following is not part of the WHO diagnostic criteria for the metabolic syndrome?
Your Answer: High LDL
Explanation:The World Health Organization 1999 criteria require the presence of any one of diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose or insulin resistance, AND two of the following:
- Blood pressure: ≥ 140/90 mmHg
- Dyslipidaemia: triglycerides (TG): ≥ 1.695 mmol/L and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ≤ 0.9 mmol/L (male), ≤ 1.0 mmol/L (female)
- Central obesity: waist: hip ratio > 0.90 (male); > 0.85 (female), or body mass index > 30 kg/m2
- Microalbuminuria: urinary albumin excretion ratio ≥ 20 µg/min or albumin: creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 12
Correct
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What is the most important way in which heat is lost from the body?
Your Answer: Radiation and conduction
Explanation:The body maintains a constant core temperature by balancing heat loss and heat gain. The mechanisms of heat loss are: radiation, evaporation, convection and conduction. Out of these mechanisms, the most important under normal conditions are radiation, through which body heat is given off to the surrounding atmosphere; and conduction, in which the body releases heat into the objects it comes into contact with.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 13
Correct
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Which of the following describes a principal action of insulin?
Your Answer: Inhibition of phosphorylase and gluconeogenic enzymes
Explanation:Insulin stimulates glycolysis and lipogenesis, but inhibits gluconeogenesis. Insulin promotes the dephosphorylating of glycogen phosphorylase, therefore suppressing glycogenolysis. Insulin also inhibits FOX3, FOX4, and FOX6 and their ability to promote hepatic gluconeogenesis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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On which chromosome is the gene for insulin located?
Your Answer: Chromosome 11
Explanation:Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and usually, two pairs of copies of chromosome 11. It is one of the most complex, gene-rich chromosomes in the human genome, and it is associated with a number of diseases. Studies have shown they the human insulin gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 11.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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Choose the correct statement regarding trabecular bone:
Your Answer: All of the options are correct
Explanation:Trabecular, spongy or cancellous bone. It is located inside the cortical bone and makes up around 20% of all bone in the body. It is made of spicules or plates with a high surface to volume ratio, where many cells sit on the surface of the end plates. It receives its nutrients from the extracellular fluid (ECF), exchanging about 10 mmol of calcium every 24 hours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following is responsible for converting inactive cortisone to active cortisol in the adrenal gland?
Your Answer: 11βHSD type 2
Correct Answer: 11βHSD type 1
Explanation:11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, also known as HSD-11β or 11β-HSD, is a group of enzymes which catalyse the interconversion of active cortisol and corticosterone with inert cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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Which of the following skin coloration abnormalities occurs due to adrenal insufficiency due to primary adrenal disease?
Your Answer: Hyperpigmentation
Explanation:Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, or hypocortisolism is an endocrine disorder. Hyperpigmentation is one of its most common signs; it occurs as a result of an increase in pro-opiomelanocortin to produce more ACTH in response to the decreased levels of cortisol. Pro-opiomelanocortin is a precursor of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), which stimulates melanocytes, causing darkening of the skin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 18
Correct
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Which hormone is associated with the temperature surge in hot flushes?
Your Answer: LH
Explanation:Luteinizing hormone or LH is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Studies have shown surges in LH levels during menopausal hot flushes, suggesting that a pulsatile release of LH is responsible for increased hypothalamic norepinephrine activity, causing the hot flushes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 19
Correct
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The net effect of active Vitamin D on calcium and phosphate homeostasis is?
Your Answer: Increase in Ca, increase in phosphate
Explanation:Bone and its metabolism are regulated by several hormones, amongst which is vitamin D. It is heavily involved in the metabolism and homeostasis of calcium and phosphate through several processes. Vitamin D works in the intestine, kidney, bone and parathyroid glands to maintain levels of calcium and phosphate, promoting its absorption, bone resorption, and proper functioning of the parathyroid to maintain adequate serum calcium levels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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Where do the portal hypophysial vessels arise?
Your Answer: Median eminence
Explanation:The hypothalamic-hypophysial portal system connects the brain to the anterior pituitary. It is made up of two capillary beds, one in the median eminence and the other in the anterior pituitary. Blood from the plexus of the median eminence is carried by portal veins, draining into the cavernous and posterior intercavernous sinuses. This system delivers hypothalamic hormones to their target cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Correct
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What is pendrin?
Your Answer: Cl-/i- antiporter
Explanation:Pendrin is an anion exchange transporter; it is a sodium-independent chloride-iodine exchanger which also accepts formate and bicarbonate. It is present in many different types of cells in the body, particularly the inner ear, thyroid, and kidney. Mutations in pendrin are associated with Pendred syndrome, which causes syndromic deafness and thyroid disease.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 22
Correct
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What is the most important source of heat production in the body?
Your Answer: Skeletal muscle contraction
Explanation:Thermogenesis is the process by which organisms produce heat. Through skeletal muscle contraction, or shivering, ATP is converted into kinetic energy, some of which converts into heat. These muscle contractions produce about 70% of total body heat.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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The TSH receptor produces its effects in the thyrocyte via:
Your Answer: A tyrosine kinase enzyme
Correct Answer: G-protein coupled activation of adenylyl cyclise and phospholipase c
Explanation:The thyrotropin receptor, also known as TSH receptor, responds to the thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin to stimulate production of T3 and T4. It is a G protein-coupled receptor which leads to stimulation of phospholipase C and adenylyl cyclase, mediated by Gq/11 and Gs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 24
Correct
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Where is Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS) secreted?
Your Answer: Sertoli cells
Explanation:Müllerian inhibiting substance, also known as Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or Müllerian-inhibiting hormone (MIH) is a glycoprotein hormone which prevents the development of the Müllerian ducts into the uterus. Its production by Sertoli cells continues during childhood in males and decreases after puberty.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 25
Correct
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Select a factor which stimulates glucagon secretion.
Your Answer: Protein meal
Explanation:Several studies have shown that glucagon levels are increased in individuals with a high protein diet. It is still debated, however, whether this type of diet affects insulin levels as well.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 26
Correct
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Within the hypothalamus, the dopamine-secreting neurones of the intrahypothalamic system have their cell bodies in which nuclei?
Your Answer: Arcuate
Explanation:Arcuate nucleus dopaminergic neurons consist of a single group of neurons that project to the median eminence where they release dopamine into the hypophyseal portal circulation to inhibit pituitary prolactin secretion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 27
Correct
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Which cells secrete insulin?
Your Answer: B cells of the pancreatic islets
Explanation:Insulin is synthesised and stored by the B cells of the pancreatic islets (70% of islet cells), glucagon is synthesised and stored in the A cells (20%) and somatostatin is synthesised and stored in the D cells (10%).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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The residual cleft of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary is lined by follicles resembling which human gland?
Your Answer: Thyroid
Explanation:The cells located between the two main pituitary lobes form what is known as the intermediate pituitary. This area secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone and it is only a few cell layers thick. It is rich in follicles filled with colloid, and lined by basophilic cells. This configuration resembles that of another important gland: the thyroid.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 29
Correct
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Which of the following cells secrete glucagon?
Your Answer: A cells
Explanation:Glucagon counteracts hypoglycaemia and opposes insulin by promoting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. It also decreases fatty acid synthesis in the liver and adipose tissue, and promotes lipolysis. It is secreted by the pancreatic islet α-cells. Its production is regulated by the insulin produced in β-cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 30
Correct
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Which of the following forms one of the characteristic and functional cells making up the anterior pituitary gland?
Your Answer: Corticotrope
Explanation:The anterior pituitary, also known as adenohypophysis or pars anterior contains the following types of cells: – acidophil cells: somatotroph cells, which produce growth hormone; and lactotrophs, which produce prolactin- basophil cells: corticotropes, which produce adrenocorticotropic hormone; thyrotropes, which produce thyroid stimulating hormone; and – gonadotrophs, which produce luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 31
Correct
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The actions of dihydrotestosterone in male reproductive physiology include:
Your Answer: Development of external genitalia in utero and at puberty
Explanation:Dihydrotestosterone mediates the differentiation of the urogenital sinus and genital tubercles, leading to the fusion of the urethral and labial folds; thus, it leads to the development of external genitalia in the male.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 32
Correct
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Select the correct statement about the microanatomy of the thyroid gland.
Your Answer: The capillaries adjacent to thyroid cells have a fenestrated endothelium.
Explanation:Fenestrated capillaries have a very thin endothelium, which is perforated by numerous fenestrations or pores. Hormones are usually released into these capillaries, reaching their target cells through the circulatory system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 33
Incorrect
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In the menstrual cycle, ovulation is triggered by:
Your Answer: A pituitary LH surge due to due to an increase in GNRH pulses from the supraoptic nucleus in the hypothalamus
Correct Answer: A pituitary LH surge due to the positive feedback effect of circulating oestrogens
Explanation:FSH and LH are secreted to start the development of a follicle at the start of each menstrual cycle. A surge in oestrogen causes a positive feedback in the LH cells of the pituitary; this causes ovulation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 34
Incorrect
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The main efferent input of the posterior pituitary gland comes from:
Your Answer: Paracrine hormones secreted from the hypothalamus via pituitary portal veins
Correct Answer: Paracrine hormones secreted from the hypothalamus via axons.
Explanation:The posterior pituitary or neurohypophysis consists of a collection of axonal projections emerging from the hypothalamus. It releases hormones directly from these axonal endings into circulation; these hormones are oxytocin and vasopressin.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 35
Correct
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Which of the following stimuli increase growth hormone secretion?
Your Answer: Ghrelin
Explanation:Ghrelin is a hormone which serves as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. It acts on the pituitary and the hypothalamus by affecting the vagus nerve. It acts on the somatotrophs of the anterior pituitary, GHRH-secreting neurons, and on GHIH-secreting neurons in the hypothalamus, causing a time-dependent and pulsatile stimulation over the secretion of growth hormone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 36
Correct
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Which is primarily responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3 in the periphery?
Your Answer: Deiodinase 1
Explanation:Type 1 iodothyronine deiodinase, also known simply as deiodinase 1, is an enzyme which can produce both triiodothyronine (active form) or inactivate metabolites from T4. It is responsible for almost 80% of the conversion of peripheral T4 to T3. Iodothyronine deiodinases are not to be confused with iodotyrosine deiodinases, which are also part of the deiodinase enzymes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 37
Correct
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Physiological effects of T3 on the heart include all the following except:
Your Answer: Increased expression of β-myosin heavy chain gene
Explanation:Tri-iodothyronine, also known as T3, is a hormone which can affect almost every system in the human body. In the heart, it increases the number of β1-adrenergic receptors, enhances the response to circulating catecholamines, increases the proportion of α-myosin heavy chains in the atria, and increases the expression of serca pump gene.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 38
Correct
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Regarding the structure of the 3 pituitary glycoprotein hormones FSH, LH, and TSH, which of the following is true about the α- and β-subunits of each hormone?
Your Answer: Maximal physiological activity occurs only on their combination
Explanation:Glycoprotein hormones (GPHs) are the most complex molecules that function as hormones. They each consist of two different subunits, α and β, which are non-covalently associated. The combination of these subunits results in an increase in their activity and β structure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 39
Correct
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Where is leptin synthesized and secreted?
Your Answer: White adipose tissue
Explanation:Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate food intake and energy expenditure. It is synthetized by white adipose tissue and the gastric mucosa. It works by inhibiting the sensation of hunger, therefore, it opposes the actions of ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 40
Correct
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Which of the following biochemical profiles is seen in a normal 65 year old female? (in comparison to a normal 24 yr. old female)
Your Answer: Increased FSH, LH; decreased oestrogen, progesterone
Explanation:During menopause, a woman’s number of ovarian follicles becomes depleted; as a result, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, and LH and FSH levels increase. One of the criteria to diagnose menopause is the absence of menstrual period for a year, along with a serum FSH level increased to 30 mIU/ml or higher. LH also rises with the onset of menopause.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
