-
Question 1
Correct
-
Which hormone secreting cell of the human anterior pituitary gland secretes growth hormone?
Your Answer: Somatotroph
Explanation:Somatotroph cells are responsible for the production of growth hormone. Somatotrophs occupy nearly 40% of the total surface area of the anterior pituitary, and they are acidophilic in nature.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 2
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 3
Correct
-
In terms of relative steroid potency, how much prednisone is equivalent to 100mg hydrocortisone?
Your Answer: 25mg
Explanation:Different corticosteroids have varying degrees of potency. 1 mg of prednisone is equivalent to 4 mg of hydrocortisone. Therefore, 25 mg of prednisone are equivalent to 100 mg of hydrocortisone.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 4
Correct
-
Phosphate absorption in the proximal tubules is via which transporting molecule?
Your Answer: Na/Pi co transporter
Explanation:Sodium/phosphate cotransporters are located in the renal proximal tubular brush border, and are the key elements in proximal tubular phosphate reabsorption and phosphate homeostasis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 5
Correct
-
Where is thyroglobulin produced?
Your Answer: Thyrocytes
Explanation:Thyroglobulin, or Tg, is a protein that functions as the precursor to thyroid hormones. It is synthesized by thyrocytes and then secreted into the colloid. It also functions as a negative-feedback regulator of thyroid hormone biosynthesis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 6
Incorrect
-
In the menstrual cycle, ovulation is triggered by:
Your Answer: A pituitary LH/FSH surge due to the negative feedback effect of oestrogens
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 7
Incorrect
-
In the absence of insulin:
Your Answer: Intestinal absorption of glucose is reduced
Correct Answer: Glucose uptake by most of the brain is normal
Explanation:Although it is known that insulin levels affect glucose uptake, oxidation and storage in peripheral tissues, its role in the brain isn’t as clear. However, studies have shown that bulk brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin. Glucose transport into the neurons is GLUT3 dependent, and its transport into glia and brain endothelial cells rely on GLUT1. Insulin isn’t necessary for GLUT1 or GLUT3, which explains why brain glucose uptake isn’t affected by insulin levels.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 8
Correct
-
Which of the following is responsible for converting inactive cortisone to active cortisol in the adrenal gland?
Your 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 9
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 10
Correct
-
Which of the following increase insulin secretion?
Your Answer: Sulfonylureas
Explanation:Sulfonylureas are a type of antidiabetic drug used to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. Their main mechanism of action is producing a rise in plasma insulin levels, through stimulation of insulin secretion and a decrease in hepatic clearance of insulin. Sulfonylureas include gliclazide, glipizide, glibenclamide and glimepiride.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 11
Correct
-
What is the fat called that serves as a considerable source of heat in children?
Your Answer: Brown adipose tissue
Explanation:Brown adipose tissue, also known as BAT or brown fat, coforms the adipose tissue along with white adipose tissue (WAT) or white fat. While WAT is responsible for energy-storage, BAT is involved in thermogenesis and energy expenditure. It is more prevalent in children than in adults, and its activation during adolescence is associated to less weight gain and adiposity. BAT produces heat by non-shivering thermogenesis.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 12
Incorrect
-
A 14-year-old girl presents with short stature, webbed neck and primary amenorrhoea.Given the likely clinical diagnosis, which hormone replacement is most crucial over the longer term?
Your Answer: Pulsatile GNRH
Correct Answer: Oestrogen
Explanation:This girl most likely has Turner syndrome (TS) also known as 45,X, a condition in which a female is partly or completely missing an X chromosome. Signs and symptoms vary among those affected. Often, a short and webbed neck, low-set ears, low hairline at the back of the neck, short stature, and swollen hands and feet are seen at birth. Typically, they are without menstrual periods, do not develop breasts, and are unable to have children. Heart defects, diabetes, and low thyroid hormone occur more frequently. Most people with TS have normal intelligence. Many, however, have troubles with spatial visualization such as that needed for mathematics. Vision and hearing problems occur more often. Turner syndrome is not usually inherited from a person’s parents. No environmental risks are known and the mother’s age does not play a role. As a chromosomal condition, there is no cure for Turner syndrome. However, much can be done to minimize the symptoms including prescribing growth hormone, either alone or with a low dose of androgen, and oestrogen replacement therapy which is crucial long term for maintaining good bone integrity, cardiovascular health and tissue health
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 13
Incorrect
-
Periodic fevers occur in humans with mutations in the gene for pyrin. Pyrin is a protein found in which one of the following cells?
Your Answer: Monocytes
Correct Answer: Neutrophils
Explanation:Pyrin, also known as marenostrin or TRIM20, is a protein encoded by the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene, causing the autoinflammatory disease familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Pyrin produces an increased sensitivity to intracellular signals. It is produced mainly in neutrophils, which display an increased ratio of cells entering apoptosis when exposed to pyrin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 14
Correct
-
Which of the following hormones cause negative feedback on the CRH/ACTH axis?
Your Answer: Cortisol
Explanation:The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, also known as HPA axis is a set of interactions that regulate the secretion of several hormones through negative feedback. Cortisol, for example, is produced by the adrenal cortex, binds to its receptors in the hypothalamus and adenohypophysis and inhibits secretion of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The drop in CRH secretion leads to a decrease in ACTH secretion, which in turn causes less cortisol to be secreted.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 15
Incorrect
-
What is pendrin?
Your Answer: Na+/i- symporter
Correct 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 16
Incorrect
-
Which cell secretes parathyroid hormone?
Your Answer: C cells
Correct Answer: Chief cells
Explanation:Parathyroid chief cells, also known as parathyroid principal cells or parathyroid cells, are the most prevalent type of cell in the parathyroid gland and the only ones present at birth. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH).
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 17
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 18
Incorrect
-
The TSH receptor produces its effects in the thyrocyte via:
Your Answer: Opening of voltage-gated iodine channels in the thyrocyte membrane
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 19
Correct
-
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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 20
Correct
-
What is the primary cause of ketoacidosis in Type 1 diabetes?
Your Answer: Lipolysis
Explanation:in type 1 diabetics the lack of insulin in the bloodstream prevents glucose absorption, thereby inhibiting the production of oxaloacetate (a crucial precursor to the β-oxidation of fatty acids) through reduced levels of pyruvate (a by-product of glycolysis), and can cause unchecked ketone body production (through fatty acid metabolism or lipolysis) potentially leading to dangerous glucose and ketone levels in the blood.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 21
Incorrect
-
Select a factor which stimulates glucagon secretion.
Your Answer: Somatostatin
Correct 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 22
Correct
-
Which of the following hormones would stimulate secretion of TSH?
Your Answer: TRH
Explanation:Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, also known as TRH, thyrotropin-releasing factor, TRF is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus. It functions as a releasing hormone, promoting the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone or thyrotropin and prolactin.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 23
Correct
-
Select the correct statement regarding the macro anatomy of the thyroid gland.
Your Answer: It surrounds the trachea at the front of the neck.
Explanation:The thyroid is located around the trachea, in the anterior portion of the neck. It is formed by two lobes which are connected by an isthmus. The presence of a pyramidal lobe, or third lobe, is considered to be a normal anatomical variant. It originates from the primitive pharynx and the neural crest and has a rich vascular supply.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 24
Correct
-
What causes increased insulin sensitivity?
Your Answer: Exercise
Explanation:Physical activity, through its effect on insulin sensitivity, is one of the main modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that by each weekly 500 kcal increment in exercise related energy consumption, the lifetime risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes is reduced by 9%. Up to two hours after exercise, glucose uptake is elevated due to insulin independent mechanisms; however, insulin sensitivity remains increased for at least 16 hours after exercising.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 25
Correct
-
What is the effect of oxytocin on the breast?
Your Answer: Milk ejection
Explanation:Oxytocin is a peptide hormone and neuropeptide, produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It causes the milk ejection or let-down reflex, causing the milk to be transported to the subareolar sinuses, allowing it to be released through the nipple. This response is initiated by the act of suckling by the baby, but it can be conditioned to be triggered by different stimuli.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 26
Incorrect
-
What is the most important way in which heat is lost from the body?
Your Answer: Vaporisation of sweat
Correct 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 27
Incorrect
-
Where does the anterior pituitary receive most of its blood supply?
Your Answer: Anastomotic connections from posterior pituitary
Correct Answer: Portal hypophysial vessels
Explanation:The anterior pituitary receives its arterial supply from the superior hypophyseal artery, which is a branch of the internal carotid that forms a capillary around the hypothalamus; thus forming the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal system.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 28
Correct
-
Which one of the following leads to decreased prolactin levels?
Your Answer: Dopamine
Explanation:Dopamine has an important effect on the regulation of prolactin secretion. Dopamine binds to type-2 dopamine receptors of the lactotroph cells that are functionally linked to membrane channels and G proteins and suppresses the high secretory activity of the pituitary lactotrophs.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 29
Correct
-
Pendrin is a Cl-/I- exchanger whose function is:
Your Answer: Transfer of iodide across the thyrocyte apical membrane into the colloid
Explanation:Pendrin is an anion transporter present in the inner ear, thyroid and kidney. It regulates the entrance of iodide from the thyroid cell to the colloid space. It has been proposed that its role could be the maintenance of the ionic composition of the endolymph.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
-
Question 30
Incorrect
-
What is the effect of vasopressin on the kidney?
Your Answer: Increase collecting duct permeability to sodium and chloride
Correct 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.
-
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
-
SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
