Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Polycystic ovarian disease, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is a common endocrine disorder characterized by increased levels of androgens (male hormones) and disrupted estrogen production in the ovaries. The hormonal imbalance seen in PCOS leads to increased gonadal production of estrogen. This condition is often associated with symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, acne, and excess facial or body hair growth. In contrast, the other options do not typically involve increased gonadal production of estrogen as seen in PCOS.

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

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is one of the hormones produced in the anterior pituitary gland. The anterior pituitary gland secretes several hormones that regulate various functions in the body. FSH plays a crucial role in both males and females. In females, FSH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. In males, FSH is essential for the production of sperm in the testes. The production and release of FSH are regulated by the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH).

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Thyrotoxicosis, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis can include weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, hyperactivity, and fatigue. While musculoskeletal symptoms such as weakness and tremors are common in thyrotoxicosis, true myopathy (muscle disease) is not a typical feature of the condition. Therefore, myopathy is the correct choice among the given options.