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Question 1
Correct
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Question 2
Incorrect
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Oxytocin causes increased myometrial contraction via which of the following messenger pathways?
Your Answer: Releases cAMP that triggers intracellular Calcium ion release
Correct Answer: Activates phospholipase-C which produces IP3 which triggers intracellular Calcium ion release
Explanation:Oxytocin acts via the G protein receptors and the calcium-calmodulin complex. It activates phospholipase C which produces IP3 to further trigger the calcium-calmodulin complex increasing intracellular Ca ion release.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 3
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements regarding prolactin is true?
Your Answer: Prolactin levels increase after ingesting high glucose containing meals
Correct Answer: Prolactin levels increase during stress
Explanation:Causes of Hyperprolactinemia: Prolactinomas, Medication (phenothiazines, metoclopramide, risperidone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, oestrogens, verapamil), Stress, Pregnancy, Hypothyroidism, Kidney disease, Chest trauma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 4
Incorrect
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High levels of alpha feto protein are found in all, EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Intrauterine fetal distress
Correct Answer: Trisomy 21
Explanation:Pregnant maternal serum AFP levels elevated: Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly); Omphalocele; Gastroschisis.
Pregnant maternal serum AFP low levels: Down syndrome
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 5
Incorrect
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The following hormones are secreted from the anterior pituitary gland, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Prolactin
Correct Answer: HCG
Explanation:The following hormones are excreted from the anterior pituitary gland: TSH, GN, ACTH, LH, FSH, MSH, PRL.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, or human chorionic gonadotrophin) is a placental hormone secreted by syncitiotrophoblasts during the second week of gestation. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 6
Correct
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Maternal blood flow through the uterine artery at term is approximately
Your Answer: 750ml/min
Explanation:Uterine blood flow increases 40-fold to approximately 700 mL/min at term, with 80 per cent of the blood distributed to the intervillous spaces of the placentae, and 20 per cent to the uterine myometrium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 7
Correct
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Oxytocin causes increased myometrial contractions via which of the following messenger pathways?
Your Answer: Activates phospholipase-C which produces IP3 which triggers intracellular Calcium ion release
Explanation:Oxytocin activates phospholipase C to produce inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores. There are thought to be other mechanisms by which myometrium is stimulated by Oxytocin including increased sensitisation of the myometrium and increased calcium entry into cells. cAMP and Protein Kinase A inhibit myometrial contractility.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 8
Incorrect
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In normal pregnancy, levels of all of the following hormones increases, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Total thyroxine (T4)
Correct Answer: FSH
Explanation:Hormones that increase during pregnancy and their roles:
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): Peaks between the eighth to tenth weeks of gestation and supports the corpus luteum to maintain progesterone production.
- Progesterone: Initially produced by the corpus luteum and later by the placenta, it rises steadily throughout pregnancy, suppressing the maternal immune response to fetal antigens and preparing the endometrium for implantation.
- Estrogen: Produced by the placenta from fetal and maternal precursors, estrogen levels increase to promote uterine growth and blood flow.
- Human Placental Lactogen (hPL): Rises significantly during pregnancy, influencing maternal metabolism by increasing insulin resistance and promoting lipolysis.
- Relaxin: Increases early in pregnancy to relax the uterine muscles, inhibit contractions, and prepare the cervix and pelvis for childbirth.
- Prolactin: Levels increase to prepare the breasts for lactation.
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH): Increases towards the end of pregnancy and is involved in the timing of labor.
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Levels increase, contributing to elevated cortisol levels during pregnancy.
- Total Thyroxine (T4): Levels increase due to elevated thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) production stimulated by increased estrogen levels, meeting the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy.
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Levels increase to regulate calcium metabolism, ensuring adequate calcium for fetal bone development.
- Cortisol: Levels increase due to higher production by the adrenal glands and increased binding to cortisol-binding globulin (CBG), supporting glucose metabolism, managing stress, and aiding fetal development, particularly lung maturation.
During pregnancy, some hormones either remain stable or do not increase significantly. These include:
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Levels decrease due to the negative feedback from high levels of estrogen and progesterone.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Levels also decrease due to negative feedback from elevated estrogen and progesterone.
- Growth Hormone (GH): Although a variant of growth hormone (hGH-V) is produced by the placenta and increases, the maternal pituitary GH levels may not significantly increase.
- Melatonin: Generally remains stable during pregnancy, though some studies suggest there may be slight fluctuations.
- Insulin: While insulin resistance increases due to hPL and other factors, the actual levels of insulin may not increase proportionally; instead, pancreatic beta-cell function adapts to meet the increased demand.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 9
Correct
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Where is fetal DHEA produced?
Your Answer: Adrenals
Explanation:Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone synthesised from cholesterol (via Pregnenolone) by the adrenal glands. The foetus manufactures DHEA, which stimulates the placenta to form oestrogen, thus keeping a pregnancy going. Production of DHEA stops at birth, then begins again around age seven and peaks when a person is in their mid-20s
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Where is Glucagon produced?
Your Answer: Islet beta cells
Correct Answer: Islet alpha cells
Explanation:The alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for the production and secretion of glucagon. The B cells secrete insulin, the D cells secrete somatostatin, and the F cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide. The B cells, which are the most common and account for 60–75% of the cells in the islets, are generally located in the centre of each islet.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 11
Incorrect
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At ovulation the surge in LH causes rupture of the mature oocyte via action on what?
Your Answer: Granulosa interna
Correct Answer: Theca externa
Explanation:The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge during ovulation causes: Increases cAMP resulting in increased progesterone and PGF2 production PGF2 causes contraction of theca externa smooth muscle cells resulting in rupture of the mature oocyte
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 12
Correct
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Placental production of hPL, hCG, Oestrogen and Progesterone are examples of which type of mechanism
Your Answer: Endocrine
Explanation:Endocrine hormones are released from their site of origin and travel through the blood to act on other distant target organs. Autocrine hormones act within the same cell and exocrine glands secrete their products into ducts.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 13
Correct
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Oestrogen have all of the following actions, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Prevention of thrombosis
Explanation:The properties of oestrogen:
Structure: Stimulates endometrial growth, maintenance of vessels and skin,
reduces bone resorption, increases bone formation, increases uterine growth
Protein synthesis: Increases hepatic synthesis of binding proteins
Coagulation: Increases circulating levels of factors II, VII, IX, X, antithrombin III and plasminogen; increases platelet adhesiveness
Lipid: Increases HDL and reduces LDL,increases triglycerides, reduces
ketone formation, increases fat deposition
Fluid balance: Salt and water retention
Gastrointestinal: Reduces bowel motility, increases cholesterol in bile -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 14
Correct
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Which of the following drugs is associated with reduced milk production whilst breastfeeding?
Your Answer: Cabergoline
Explanation:Domperidone and metoclopramide are D2 dopamine receptor antagonists. They are primarily used to promote gastric motility. They are also known as galactagogues and they promote the production of milk. Cabergoline and bromocriptine are prolactin inhibitors and they reduce milk production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 15
Correct
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A patient with amenorrhoea is seen in clinic. History and examination reveal the patient runs 10-20 miles every day and her BMI is 17.8. Which of the following is likely to explain her symptoms?
Your Answer: WHO type I Ovulation Disorders
Explanation:World Health Organization (WHO) Group I ovulation disorder is due to hypothalamic pituitary failure. This is sometimes termed hypothalamic amenorrhoea or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Women can improve frequency of ovulation, conception and an uncomplicated pregnancy by increasing their body weight (if BMI of <19) and/or moderating their exercise levels (if they undertake high levels of exercise). GnRH and LH may be administered in these patients. PCOS falls under type II ovulation disorders. WHO Group III ovulation disorder is due to ovarian failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 16
Correct
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In relation to ovulation, when does the LH surge occur?
Your Answer: 24-36 hours before ovulation
Explanation:Ovulation usually occurs on day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle. Luteinizing hormone levels spike as a result of increased oestrogen levels secreted from maturing follicles. This LH spike occurs about 24-36 hours before the release of the oocyte from the mature follicle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 17
Incorrect
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DHEA is synthesized from which molecule?
Your Answer: aldosterone
Correct Answer: Cholesterol
Explanation:Dehydroepiandrosterone is an androgen precursor produced primarily by the adrenal glands in women. The steroid hormone is produced from cholesterol at birth by the fetal adrenal glands, after which its output reduces. DHEA production picks up again from the age of 5-7 years and peaks between the ages of 20-30.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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What is the definition of premature menopause?
Your Answer: Menopause at or before 45 years of age
Correct Answer: Menopause at or before 40 years of age
Explanation:Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for a period of 12 months. Premature menopause is defined as cessation of menstruation before the age of 40.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following Oestrogens (Oestrogens) becomes the predominant circulating oestrogen during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Estriol
Explanation:Oestradiol is the predominant form of oestrogen during the reproductive life of a female. The estrogenic potency of oestradiol is 12 times more than estrone and 80 times that of estriol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Question 21
Incorrect
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Raised FSH levels are found in all of the following conditions, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Peri-menopausal women who had a hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooophorectomy
Correct Answer: Women on combined oral contraceptive pills
Explanation:Oestrogen- and progesterone-containing oral contraceptives inhibit LH, which suppresses the FSH and LH levels, preventing follicular development and ovulation. Combined pills suppress FSH and LH throughout the cycle, inhibit endometrial proliferation, and produce a scanty cervical mucus.Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following causes an increase in Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)?
Your Answer: Cushing's syndrome
Correct Answer: Liver cirrhosis
Explanation:Liver cirrhosis is known to lead to decreased levels of SHBG. Other causes of high SHBG are:
Oestrogens e.g. oral contraceptives
Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Liver cirrhosis
Anorexia nervosa
Drugs e.g. anticonvulsants -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 23
Correct
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Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) is structurally similar to which of the following hormones?
Your Answer: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Explanation:TSH, FSH, LH and HCG are all similar glycoproteins. These hormones consist of a common α-subunit and specific β-subunit. All are glycosylated, which determines their bioactivity and half-life.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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Where are ADH (vasopressin) and Oxytocin synthesised?
Your Answer: Posterior Pituitary
Correct Answer: Hypothalamus
Explanation:ADH and vasopressin are synthesized in the supraoptic and periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, they are eventually transported to the posterior pituitary where they are stored to be released later.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Delayed puberty in girls is defined as?
Your Answer: Primary amenorrhoea at age 14
Correct Answer: Absence of breast development in girls beyond 13 years old
Explanation:Breast development occurs from the age of 9-13 at the onset of puberty. Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of breast development after the age of 13.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Question 27
Incorrect
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Which of the following inhibit Glucagon?
Your Answer: Acetylcholine
Correct Answer: Uraemia
Explanation:Glucagon release is inhibited by increased blood glucose, ketones, free fatty
acids, insulin, raised urea levels and somatostatin. Glucagon is produced by alpha cells of the pancreas and increases the plasma glucose level by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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All of the following are autosomal recessive conditions EXCEPT which one?
Your Answer: PKU
Correct Answer: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Explanation:Osteogenesis imperfect is an autosomal dominant condition. All the rest of the options are autosomal recessive conditions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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During the menstrual cycle which hormone typically reaches its peak level on day 21 (assuming a 28 day cycle)?
Your Answer: LH
Correct Answer: Progesterone
Explanation:LH, FSH and Oestrogen have their peaks just before ovulation on day 14 whereas progesterone peaks around day 21.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following drugs is most appropriate to use to stimulate lactation?
Your Answer: Metoclopramide
Correct Answer: Domperidone
Explanation:Domperidone and metoclopramide are D2 dopamine receptor antagonists. They are primarily used to promote gastric motility. They are also known as galactagogues and they promote the production of milk. Cabergoline and bromocriptine are prolactin inhibitors and they reduce milk production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
