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Question 1
Correct
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The TSH receptor produces its effects in the thyrocyte via:
Your 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 2
Incorrect
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Which one of the following features is least associated with primary hyperparathyroidism?
Your Answer: Polyuria
Correct Answer: Sensory loss
Explanation:The signs and symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are those of hypercalcemia. They are classically summarized by stones, bones, abdominal groans, thrones and psychiatric overtones.
Stones refers to kidney stones, nephrocalcinosis, and diabetes insipidus (polyuria and polydipsia). These can ultimately lead to renal failure.
Bones refers to bone-related complications: osteitis fibrosa cystica, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and arthritis.
Abdominal groans refers to gastrointestinal symptoms of constipation, indigestion, nausea and vomiting. Hypercalcemia can lead to peptic ulcers and acute pancreatitis.
Thrones refers to polyuria and constipation
Psychiatric overtones refers to effects on the central nervous system. Symptoms include lethargy, fatigue, depression, memory loss, psychosis, ataxia, delirium, and coma.
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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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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 4
Correct
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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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 5
Incorrect
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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: Growth hormone
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
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Embryologically the anterior pituitary is formed from?
Your Answer: Mesoderm
Correct 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 7
Correct
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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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 8
Incorrect
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The febrile response to PGE2 will be impaired with the knockout of which one of the following prostaglandin receptors?
Your Answer: Ep5
Correct Answer: Ep3
Explanation:Prostaglandin EP3 receptor is a receptor for prostaglandin E2. Fever occurs as a result of the action of prostaglandin E2 and requires EP3 receptors in the preoptic area. Therefore, if there is an absence of EP3 receptors, fever caused by prostaglandin E2 will not occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 9
Incorrect
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Which of the following is not a feature of Liddle’s syndrome?
Your Answer: Hypertension
Correct Answer: Autosomal recessive inheritance
Explanation:Liddle’s syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by early, and frequently severe, high blood pressure associated with low plasma renin activity, metabolic alkalosis, low blood potassium, and normal to low levels of aldosterone. Liddle syndrome involves abnormal kidney function, with excess reabsorption of sodium and loss of potassium from the renal tubule, and is treated with a combination of low sodium diet and potassium-sparing diuretic drugs (e.g., amiloride).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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What is the most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism?
Your Answer: Pituitary tumour
Correct Answer: Bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia
Explanation:Primary aldosteronism, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome, is excess production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands resulting in low renin levels. Primary hyperaldosteronism has a number of causes. About 66% of cases are due to enlargement of both adrenal glands and 33% of cases are due to an adrenal adenoma that produces aldosterone. Other uncommon causes include adrenal cancer and an inherited disorder called familial hyperaldosteronism
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 11
Incorrect
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Which glucose transporter is responsible for the uptake of glucose in Ăź cells?
Your Answer: GLUT 4
Correct Answer: GLUT 2
Explanation:Glucose transporter 2, also known as GLUT2 is a transmembrane carrier protein which is not insulin dependent. It is found in the liver and the pancreatic islet Ăź cells, where it functions as the primary glucose transporter that allows the transfer of glucose between these organs and blood.
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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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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 13
Correct
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Where does the pituitary gland lie?
Your Answer: In a pocket of the sphenoid bone at the base of the brain
Explanation:The pituitary lies in a small depression in the sphenoid bone, known as the sella turcica or Turkish saddle.
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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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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 15
Incorrect
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With regards to the deiodinases, where would you find D1?
Your Answer: Reproductive organs
Correct 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 16
Incorrect
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On which chromosome is the gene for insulin located?
Your Answer: Chromosome 6
Correct 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 17
Correct
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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: 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 18
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 19
Incorrect
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Pendrin is a Cl-/I- exchanger whose function is:
Your Answer: Facilitation of tyrosine and iodine binding in the colloid
Correct 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.
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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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In a newly diagnosed acromegaly patient, which of the following would you not expect to find?
Your Answer: Hypohidrosis
Explanation:Features of acromegaly may include:
- Soft tissue swelling visibly resulting in enlargement of the hands, feet, nose, lips and ears, and a general thickening of the skin
- Soft tissue swelling of internal organs, notably the heart with associated weakening of its muscularity, and the kidneys, vocal cords (resulting in a characteristic thick, deep voice and slowing of speech)
- Generalized expansion of the skull at the fontanelle, frontal bossing, prognathism with associated macroglossia (enlargement of the tongue) and teeth spacing.
- Hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation and hyperhidrosis (not hypohidrosis) may occur in these patients as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and impotence.
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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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Growth hormone deficiency causes?
Your Answer: Decreased epiphyseal growth
Explanation:Growth hormone deficiency is caused by conditions affecting the pituitary gland, such as tumours. Its effects depend on the age of the patient: in infancy and childhood, growth failure is most likely to occur. The epiphyseal plate is the area in long bones where growth occurs, and it is the area affected by growth hormone deficiency. Poor growth/shortness is the main symptom of GH deficiency in children, usually resulting in growth at about half the usual rate for age.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 22
Incorrect
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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.
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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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Which one of the following skin disorders is least commonly associated with hypothyroidism?
Your Answer: Dry, coarse skin
Correct Answer: Pretibial myxoedema
Explanation:Pretibial myxoedema is an infiltrative dermopathy, resulting as a rare complication of Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and very occasionally occurs in non-thyrotoxic Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hypothyroidism typically presents with symptoms such as dry skin, brittle hair, and thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows. While skin conditions like dryness and hair changes are common in hypothyroidism due to reduced metabolic activity, acne is also not typically associated with it.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 24
Incorrect
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What is the most important source of heat production in the body?
Your Answer: Thyroid hormone secretion
Correct 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 25
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 26
Correct
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In the menstrual cycle, ovulation is triggered by:
Your 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 27
Correct
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What is the most abundant hormone release by the thyroid?
Your Answer: T4
Explanation:T3 and T4 are the two tyrosine-based hormones produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. Although T3 is the active form of the hormone, and thus, it is much more potent; T4 is the most abundant hormone secreted by the thyroid (93% of the total thyroid secretion) and it also has a longer half life since it binds to proteins much more strongly.
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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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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 29
Correct
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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.
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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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The action of progesterone on different organs/systems includes:
Your Answer: Breasts: stimulation of lobular and alveolar development
Explanation:Progesterone is a sex hormone which affects mainly the reproductive system. In the breasts, it mediates the lobuloalveolar maturation to allow for milk production; this is done in conjunction with prolactin. It acts to maintain female reproductive and sex characteristics.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
