Oxytocin:
- A. is not produced in males.
- B. inhibits lactation.
- C. stimulates smooth muscle contraction.
- D. is produced primarily in the SON in the hypothalamus.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in both males and females. In females, oxytocin plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, notably during labor and childbirth. Oxytocin acts on the smooth muscles of the uterus, causing them to contract during labor (parturition) and helps in the ejection of milk during breastfeeding. This hormone is primarily synthesized in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland before being released into the bloodstream. Overall, oxytocin's main function is to stimulate smooth muscle contraction in the uterus and the mammary glands.
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Calcification of basal ganglia is seen in:
- A. Primary hyperparathyroidism
- B. Hypoparathyroidism
- C. Secondary hyperparathyroidism
- D. Milk-alkali syndrome
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood. This excessive calcium can cause calcification in various tissues, including the basal ganglia of the brain. The calcification of the basal ganglia in primary hyperparathyroidism is a well-known radiological finding and can be visualized on imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI. Hypoparathyroidism, on the other hand, is characterized by low levels of PTH and results in decreased serum calcium levels, making it an unlikely cause of basal ganglia calcification. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is associated with chronic kidney disease and is also characterized by high PTH levels, but basal ganglia calcification is not a typical manifestation of this condition. Milk-alkali syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive intake of
The posterior pituitary stores and secretes _________.
- A. anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.
- B. growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
- C. estrogen and testosterone.
- D. aldosterone and cortisol.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The posterior pituitary gland secretes anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, which are produced in the hypothalamus and then transported and stored in the posterior pituitary before being released into the bloodstream. ADH, also known as vasopressin, helps regulate water balance in the body by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Oxytocin, on the other hand, plays a role in various reproductive functions such as labor and lactation, as well as social bonding and behavior.
Cushing's syndrome does not give rise to:
- A. Hirsutism
- B. Peripheral neuropathy
- C. Purple striae
- D. Acne
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing's syndrome is a disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol hormone. While Cushing's syndrome can manifest with a variety of symptoms, peripheral neuropathy is not a typical feature of this condition. Cushing's syndrome is commonly associated with symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), purple striae (skin stretch marks that are purple in color), and acne due to the hormonal imbalances it creates. Peripheral neuropathy, which involves damage to the peripheral nerves leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the extremities, is not a characteristic symptom of Cushing's syndrome.
Hypocalcemia is produced by all except:
- A. Hysterical hypoventilation
- B. Acute pancreatitis
- C. Chronic renal failure
- D. Osteomalacia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Osteomalacia is a condition in which there is a softening of the bones due to a deficiency in vitamin D or calcium. It is not a cause of hypocalcemia, as it is a result of low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. The other options listed are potential causes of hypocalcemia:
Which one of the following statements describes the underlying pathology of Grave's disease?
- A. An autoimmune disease directed against thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors. The autoantibodies stimulate the TSH receptors causing increased T3 and T4 production.
- B. Inflammation of the thyroid gland due to lymphocytic infiltration causes the stored thyroid hormones to be released into the circulation leading to hyperthyroidism.
- C. Consumption of ground beef which has been contaminated with thyroid tissue. The thyroid tissue contains metabolically active thyroid hormones which causes hyperthyroidism.
- D. A benign tumour of the thyroid gland which produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder where autoantibodies, known as thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs) or thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAs), bind to and stimulate the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors on thyroid follicular cells. This leads to increased production and secretion of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), causing hyperthyroidism. The autoantibodies essentially mimic the action of TSH, resulting in excess thyroid hormone release and manifestation of hyperthyroid symptoms. This underlying pathology of Graves' disease is distinct from other causes of hyperthyroidism, making choice A the correct statement.