Endocrinology Exam Questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is a hormone released by the pituitary gland in response to changes in blood osmolality, blood volume, and blood pressure. During hemorrhage (significant blood loss), the body experiences a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure. In response to this decrease in blood volume, ADH secretion is increased to help the body retain water and maintain blood pressure levels. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that ADH secretion is reduced during hemorrhage.

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.

Correct Answer:

Rationale: Oxytocin and Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), are the hormones stored in the posterior pituitary gland. These hormones are produced by the hypothalamus and then transported and stored in the posterior pituitary gland until they are released into the bloodstream when needed. Oxytocin plays a role in uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during lactation, while Vasopressin regulates water balance in the body by acting on the kidneys to reduce urine production and conserve water. The other hormones listed, such as Prolactin, TSH, GH, ACTH, FSH, and LH, are produced by the anterior pituitary gland.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare genetic disorder that mimics the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, despite normal or elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The condition is characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and normal or elevated PTH levels. However, it is not associated with a raised level of plasma PIH (Parathyroid Inhibiting Hormone). In pseudohypoparathyroidism, the body's tissues are resistant to the action of PTH, leading to impaired calcium regulation. Other common features of pseudohypoparathyroidism may include cataract formation, mental retardation, and reduced levels of plasma phosphate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thyroid hormones, T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), play a crucial role in regulating metabolism in the body. They are responsible for increasing the metabolic rate of cells by influencing the production of proteins and controlling how the body uses energy. This increase in metabolic rate results in processes such as increased heart rate, enhanced nutrient breakdown, and higher body temperature. Thus, option A, "increase metabolic rate," is the correct statement regarding thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).