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Question 1
Incorrect
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Where is thyroglobulin produced?
Your Answer: Anterior pituitary
Correct 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.
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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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The growth promoting protein anabolic effects of insulin are mediated by:
Your Answer: Igf-1
Correct Answer: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
Explanation:Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or PI-3Ks are a group of enzymes which are involved in a number of different cellular functions. PI-3Ks interact with insulin and the insulin receptor substrate, regulating glucose uptake. They are an important element in the insulin signalling pathway.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 3
Incorrect
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The main efferent input of the posterior pituitary gland comes from:
Your Answer: Sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation from the hypothalamus
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 4
Incorrect
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Which of the following is least recognised as a potential complication of acromegaly?
Your Answer: Colorectal cancer
Correct Answer: Mental retardation
Explanation:Acromegaly is a condition that results from excess growth hormone (GH) after the growth plates have closed. It is typically due to the pituitary gland producing too much growth hormone. In more than 95% of people the excess production is due to a benign tumour, known as a pituitary adenoma. The condition is not inherited.Complications:Severe headacheArthritis and carpal tunnel syndromeEnlarged heartLiver fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasiaHypertensionDiabetes mellitus (excess of GH leads to insulin resistance)Heart failureKidney failureColorectal cancerCompression of the optic chiasm leading to loss of vision in the outer visual fields (typically bitemporal hemianopia.)Increased palmar sweating and sebum production over the face (seborrhoea) are clinical indicators of active GH-producing pituitary tumours.hypertensiondiabetes (>10%)cardiomyopathycolorectal cancer
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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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What is the principle site of action of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)?
Your Answer: Adrenal gland
Explanation:Adrenocorticotropic hormone, also known as ACTH or corticotropin, is a polypeptide tropic hormone. It is synthesized by the corticotropic cells of the anterior pituitary. It works by regulating the secretion of glucocorticoid hormones from the cortex cells in the adrenal gland. It binds to the melanocortin (MC) 2 receptors on the surface of the adrenal zona glomerulosa cells, producing cortisol.
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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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Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone?
Your Answer: 17α-hydroxylase
Correct 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 7
Correct
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Which one of the following will increase an individual’s appetite?
Your Answer: Ghrelin
Explanation:Ghrelin is a hormone which exerts a strong influence on hunger and energy balance. It helps regulate appetite by being secreted when the stomach is empty, to stimulate hunger. When the stomach is filled, its secretion stops.
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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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Which glucose transporter is responsible for the uptake of glucose in ß cells?
Your 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 ß 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 9
Correct
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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.
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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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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 11
Incorrect
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The residual cleft of the intermediate lobe of the pituitary is lined by follicles resembling which human gland?
Your Answer: Adrenal medulla
Correct 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 12
Incorrect
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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; oestrogen, progesterone unchanged
Correct 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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Question 13
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 14
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 15
Incorrect
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Which of the following structures lie in close proximity to the thyroid?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: All of the options
Explanation:The thyroid gland receives its blood supply from the inferior and superior thyroid arteries. The recurrent laryngeal nerves emerges from the superior thoracic outlet bounded in part by the thyroid lobe. Two pairs of parathyroid glands lie near the thyroid. The common carotid artery splits into its external and internal branches at the upper border of the thyroid cartilage; these branches are separated by the gland.
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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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Where is leptin synthesized and secreted?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 17
Incorrect
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Choose the correct statement regarding trabecular bone:
Your Answer:
Correct 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 18
Incorrect
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With regards to the deiodinases, where would you find D1?
Your Answer:
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 19
Incorrect
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Which cell secretes parathyroid hormone?
Your Answer:
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).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Where does the anterior pituitary receive most of its blood supply?
Your Answer:
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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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What is pendrin?
Your Answer:
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.
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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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The TSH receptor produces its effects in the thyrocyte via:
Your Answer:
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 23
Incorrect
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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:
Correct 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 24
Incorrect
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Which hormone is associated with the temperature surge in hot flushes?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following cells secrete glucagon?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 26
Incorrect
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Embryologically the anterior pituitary is formed from?
Your Answer:
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 27
Incorrect
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Which one of the following leads to decreased prolactin levels?
Your Answer:
Correct 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.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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Question 28
Incorrect
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Within the hypothalamus, the dopamine-secreting neurones of the intrahypothalamic system have their cell bodies in which nuclei?
Your Answer:
Correct 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 29
Incorrect
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The actions of dihydrotestosterone in male reproductive physiology include:
Your Answer:
Correct 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 30
Incorrect
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Which of the following predominate in the adrenal medulla?
Your Answer:
Correct Answer: Epinephrine secreting cells
Explanation:Chromaffin cells, also known as pheochromocytes, are cells located in the adrenal medulla which specialize in the synthesis, storage, and secretion of catecholamines: 80% epinephrine and 20% norepinephrine is released into the bloodstream. For this reason, they are considered to be neuroendocrine cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
