What is Addison's disease?
- A. Addison's disease is a long-term endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones.
- B. Addison's disease involves the overproduction of cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal cortex.
- C. Addison's disease involves the overproduction of androgens by the adrenal medulla.
- D. Addison's disease involves the underproduction of androgens by the adrenal medulla.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones, mainly cortisol and sometimes aldosterone. This deficiency in steroid hormone production is typically caused by autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. Without enough cortisol and aldosterone, various symptoms may arise, such as fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin discoloration. Therefore, option A accurately describes the nature of Addison's disease.
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Parathyroid hormone:
- A. increases deposition of calcium in bones.
- B. causes development of goitre.
- C. is the molecule formed when T4 and T3 are degraded.
- D. is secreted in increased amounts when blood calcium level is below normal.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands in response to low blood calcium levels. Its main function is to raise calcium levels in the blood by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines. PTH stimulates the release of calcium from the bones, enhances the absorption of calcium by the intestines, and promotes the reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys. Therefore, it is secreted in increased amounts when blood calcium levels are below normal in order to maintain overall calcium balance in the body.
Phaeochromocytoma may be associated with following anomalies except:
- A. Neurofibromatosis
- B. Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
- C. Hyperparathyroidism
- D. Addison's disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phaeochromocytoma may be associated with Medullary carcinoma of thyroid, Hyperparathyroidism, and Addison's disease as part of MEN Syndrome (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia) Type 2. However, it is not typically associated with Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is associated with the development of benign tumors of nerve tissue and is not directly linked to the presence of Phaeochromocytoma.
Which of the following statements best describes Hashimoto's thyroiditis?
- A. Inflammation of the thyroid gland as the result of a virus. The disease is often preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection.
- B. A destructive autoimmune disease caused by auto-reactive antibodies against thyroglobulin.
- C. Iodine deficiency
- D. thyroid gland
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. The antibodies produced by the immune system target the thyroglobulin in the thyroid gland, leading to its destruction over time. This results in decreased thyroid hormone production, leading to hypothyroidism. Therefore, choice B, "A destructive autoimmune disease caused by auto-reactive antibodies against thyroglobulin," best describes Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Tall stature is not characteristic of:
- A. Klinefelter's syndrome
- B. Homocystinuria
- C. Marfan's syndrome
- D. Turner's syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Turner's syndrome is a genetic condition that affects females and is characterized by short stature and other physical abnormalities due to the absence of part or all of one of the X chromosomes. Therefore, tall stature is not characteristic of Turner's syndrome.
The receptors for non-steroid peptide hormones are found on the ______.
- A. plasma membrane
- B. nuclear envelope
- C. mitochondria
- D. lysosomes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The receptors for non-steroid peptide hormones are typically found on the plasma membrane of target cells. These hormones are large or polar molecules that cannot easily diffuse through the cell membrane. Instead, they bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating signaling pathways that eventually lead to changes within the cell. Once the peptide hormone binds to its receptor on the plasma membrane, secondary messenger systems are activated to relay the signal into the cell and initiate the appropriate cellular response. This distinct mechanism of action highlights the importance of the plasma membrane as the location of receptors for non-steroid peptide hormones.
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