Which of the following are signs of acromegaly?
- A. Increased jaw prominence
- B. Enlargement of feet
- C. Enlargement of the hands and fingers
- D. Decrease in tongue size (microglossia)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder characterized by excess growth hormone production, usually due to a pituitary adenoma. Signs and symptoms of acromegaly arise gradually over time due to excess growth hormone leading to tissue overgrowth.
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Oxytocin:
- A. is bound to neurophysin in plasma.
- B. inhibits production of milk.
- C. inhibits myometrial contraction.
- D. inhibits sperm swimming on the gonad.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In the bloodstream, oxytocin is mostly bound to a carrier protein called neurophysin. This binding helps to protect oxytocin from being degraded too quickly in the bloodstream, thus allowing it to exert its effects on target tissues such as the uterus and mammary glands. Oxytocin plays important roles in stimulating uterine contractions during labor, facilitating milk letdown during breastfeeding, and promoting social bonding and emotional connections.
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.
Which of the following causes of Cushing's syndrome does the phrase "Cushing's disease" specifically refer to?
- A. Iatrogenic
- B. Ectopic ACTH production
- C. Pituitary adenoma
- D. Adrenal adenoma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The phrase "Cushing's disease" specifically refers to the cause of Cushing's syndrome that is due to an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. In this specific case, the excess production of ACTH leads to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and oversecretion of cortisol. It is important to differentiate between Cushing's syndrome caused by a pituitary adenoma (Cushing's disease) and other causes such as adrenal adenomas, ectopic ACTH production, or iatrogenic sources.
Which of the following are causes of Addison's disease?
- A. Adrenoleukodystrophy
- B. Pyelonephritis
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Addison's disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is mainly caused by the autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex. This results in the inadequate production of hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone by the adrenal glands. While other conditions such as Adrenoleukodystrophy, Pyelonephritis, and Tuberculosis can also affect the adrenal glands, they are not known to be direct causes of Addison's disease.
Excess prolactin causes:
- A. Acromegaly
- B. Gynecomastia
- C. Dwarfism
- D. Early Menopause
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excess prolactin typically causes gynecomastia in men. Prolactin is a hormone primarily responsible for milk production in women. However, in men, elevated levels of prolactin can lead to various symptoms, with gynecomastia being one of the most common. Gynecomastia is the development of breast tissue in males, which can result in swelling and tenderness of the breasts. It is important to investigate the underlying cause of elevated prolactin levels as it could be due to various conditions such as pituitary tumors, certain medications, or thyroid disorders.