Endocrinology Exam Questions and Answers

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Neurogenic diabetes insipidus is due to a deficiency in vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) production in the hypothalamus or a failure of proper vasopressin release from the posterior pituitary. Causes of neurogenic DI typically involve factors affecting vasopressin synthesis, storage, or release. However, mutations in the vasopressin gene itself would be a cause of genetic forms of diabetes insipidus, not neurogenic diabetes insipidus. Common causes of neurogenic diabetes insipidus include traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, pituitary adenomas, meningitis, and Sheehan's syndrome.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Neuropathic pain due to diabetes can present with a variety of symptoms, including burning pain, electric shock quality, and tingling sensation. These symptoms are commonly reported by individuals with diabetic neuropathy, which is the most common form of neuropathic pain associated with diabetes. The combination of these sensations can significantly impact the quality of life for those living with diabetes and neuropathic pain. Therefore, all of the above options are consistent with neuropathic pain due to diabetes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cortisol secretion is directly stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is produced and released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the production and release of cortisol. Aldosterone is another hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, but it is not directly involved in the stimulation of cortisol secretion. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a role in lactation, not cortisol secretion. High blood potassium levels can stimulate aldosterone secretion but do not directly stimulate cortisol secretion.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hyperuricemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which are responsible for various health problems. The three main conditions associated with hyperuricemia are cardiovascular disease (A), gouty arthritis (B), and nephrolithiasis (C).

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.