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Question 1
Correct
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A patient with amenorrhoea is seen in clinic. History and examination reveal the patient runs 10-20 miles every day and her BMI is 17.8. Which of the following is likely to explain her symptoms?
Your Answer: WHO type I Ovulation Disorders
Explanation:World Health Organization (WHO) Group I ovulation disorder is due to hypothalamic pituitary failure. This is sometimes termed hypothalamic amenorrhoea or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Women can improve frequency of ovulation, conception and an uncomplicated pregnancy by increasing their body weight (if BMI of <19) and/or moderating their exercise levels (if they undertake high levels of exercise). GnRH and LH may be administered in these patients. PCOS falls under type II ovulation disorders. WHO Group III ovulation disorder is due to ovarian failure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 2
Correct
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the release of:
Your Answer: Luteinizing hormone
Explanation:Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the hormone responsible for the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 3
Correct
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Delayed puberty in girls is defined as?
Your Answer: Absence of breast development in girls beyond 13 years old
Explanation:Breast development occurs from the age of 9-13 at the onset of puberty. Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of breast development after the age of 13.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 4
Correct
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Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) typically follows which pattern of inheritance
Your Answer: Autosomal Dominant
Explanation:PKD can follow either Autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance. Autosomal dominant is however the most common inheritance pattern and is seen in adult PKD. Infantile PKD is recessive
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following Oestrogens (Oestrogens) becomes the predominant circulating oestrogen during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Estriol
Explanation:The 3 main oestrogens are Estrone (E1) Oestradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3). Oestradiol is the predominant oestrogen during female reproductive years except during the early follicular phase when Estrone predominates. During pregnancy Estriol levels rise significantly and this becomes the dominant oestrogen during pregnancy. Ethinylestradiol and Mestranol are oestrogen found in COCP’s
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Regarding placental anatomy:
Your Answer: The intervillous space contains fetal blood
Correct Answer: Fetal blood vessels develop in the mesenchymal core of the chorionic villi
Explanation:The chorionic plate represents the fetal surface of the placenta, which in turn is covered by the amnion. The amnion is composed of a single layered epithelium and the amnionic mesenchyme, an avascular connective tissue. The amnionic mesenchyme is only weakly attached to the chorionic mesenchyme and can easily be removed from the delivered placenta. The chorionic mesenchyme contains the chorionic vessels that are continuous with the vessels of the umbilical cord. Within the mesoderm of secondary villi, haematopoietic progenitor cells develop and start to differentiate. At about day 20 post-conception, first placental blood cells and endothelial cells develop independent of the vascular system of the embryo proper.13 14 The development of first placental vessels transforms the respective villi into tertiary villi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 7
Correct
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Which of the following hormones are required for alveolar morphogenesis during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Progesterone, Prolactin and hPL
Explanation:The changes seen in breast tissue with the menstrual cycle are accentuated during pregnancy. Deposition of fat around glandular tissue occurs, and the number of glandular ducts is increased by oestrogen, while progesterone and human placental lactogen (hPL) increase the number of gland alveoli. Prolactin is essential for the stimulation of milk secretion and during pregnancy prepares the alveoli for milk production. Although prolactin concentration increases throughout pregnancy, it does not then result in lactation since it is antagonized at an alveolar receptor level by oestrogen.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 8
Correct
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Which of the following inhibit Glucagon?
Your Answer: Uraemia
Explanation:Glucagon release is inhibited by increased blood glucose, ketones, free fatty
acids, insulin, raised urea levels and somatostatin. Glucagon is produced by alpha cells of the pancreas and increases the plasma glucose level by stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 9
Correct
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Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) typically follows which pattern of inheritance
Your Answer: Autosomal Dominant
Explanation:Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can either be autosomal dominant or recessive. The autosomal dominant variant is more common in adult PKD however, the recessive pattern is more common in infantile PKD.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 10
Correct
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Hirsutism can be found in all of the following conditions, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Patient on oral contraceptive pills
Explanation:Classically, hirsutism has been considered a marker of increased androgen levels in females from increased production of androgens (i.e. testosterone) either by the adrenals or due to an ovarian disease. The ovarian causes for hyperandrogenism are polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and ovarian tumours. Adrenal causes include Cushing’s syndrome, androgen-producing tumours, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), most commonly due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Less common causes include the hyperandrogenic-insulin resistant-acanthosis nigricans syndrome (HAIRAN). Hyperprolactinemia by increasing adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) production may cause hirsutism. Androgenic drugs are also an important cause of hirsutism. About 20% of the patients may present with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) with normal androgen levels and ovarian function. The cause of increased hair in these women is thought to be related to disorders in peripheral androgen activity. Onset of IH occurs shortly after puberty with slow progression. PCOS and IH account for 90% of the hirsutism in women. Hirsutism can also occur in some premenopausal women and continue for a few years after menopause. This is due to decrease in ovarian oestrogen secretion with continuous androgen production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 11
Correct
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Maternal blood flow through the uterine artery at term is approximately
Your Answer: 750ml/min
Explanation:Uterine blood flow increases 40-fold to approximately 700 mL/min at term, with 80 per cent of the blood distributed to the intervillous spaces of the placentae, and 20 per cent to the uterine myometrium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 12
Correct
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Where are ADH (vasopressin) and Oxytocin synthesised?
Your Answer: Hypothalamus
Explanation:ADH and vasopressin are synthesized in the supraoptic and periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, they are eventually transported to the posterior pituitary where they are stored to be released later.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 13
Correct
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Beta and Delta Thalassemia are associated with abnormalities to which chromosome
Your Answer: Chromosome 11
Explanation:Fetal haemoglobin (HBF) is the main haemoglobin type in the foetus and persists after birth for around 6 months. Fetal haemoglobin is composed of two alpha and two gamma subunits The alpha globulin chain is coded for by genes on Chromosome 16. Alpha Thalassemia are therefore associated with Chromosome16 defects The beta and delta globulin chains are coded for by genes on Chromosome 11. Beta and Delta Thalassemia are therefore associated with Chromosome 11 Defects
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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You review a 58 year old patient in clinic. She asks what the results of her recent DEXA scan are. You note her hip BMD hip T-score is -1.4. You note she has a history of olecranon fracture 4 years ago. What is her classification according to WHO criteria?
Your Answer: Severe Osteopenia
Correct Answer: Osteopenia
Explanation:Her T-score puts her in the osteopenic range. The presence of fragility fractures is more important in the osteoporotic patient. Olecranon fracture is not a typical fragility fracture.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 15
Correct
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All the following hormones are products of placental synthesis, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Prolactin
Explanation:The metabolic adaptations of pregnancy are orchestrated by hormones produced by the placenta and maternal pituitary gland, which undergo dramatic changes during gestation. After involution of ovarian sex steroid production by wk 6, placental oestrogen and progesterone production increases exponentially to term. Concurrently, there are progressive increases in prolactin (PRL), produced by the maternal pituitary gland and decidua, and human chorionic somatomammotropin (CSH, also called human placental lactogen), which has structural similarities to GH and PRL.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 16
Correct
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Which of the following drugs is most appropriate to use to stimulate lactation?
Your Answer: Domperidone
Explanation:Domperidone and metoclopramide are D2 dopamine receptor antagonists. They are primarily used to promote gastric motility. They are also known as galactagogues and they promote the production of milk. Cabergoline and bromocriptine are prolactin inhibitors and they reduce milk production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 17
Correct
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Which of the following statements regarding prolactin is true?
Your Answer: Prolactin levels increase during stress
Explanation:Causes of Hyperprolactinemia: Prolactinomas, Medication (phenothiazines, metoclopramide, risperidone, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, oestrogens, verapamil), Stress, Pregnancy, Hypothyroidism, Kidney disease, Chest trauma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 18
Correct
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What is the definition of premature menopause?
Your Answer: Menopause at or before 40 years of age
Explanation:Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for a period of 12 months. Premature menopause is defined as cessation of menstruation before the age of 40.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following changes would you expect in pregnancy?
Your Answer: Decreased TSH Increased Total T3 and T4
Explanation:Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) has thyrotrophic activity owing to subunit homology with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and maternal TSH production is suppressed during the first trimester of pregnancy, when hCG levels are highest. The TSH response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) is reduced during the first trimester but returns to normal after this. Thyroid binding globulin increases in the first 2 weeks of pregnancy and reaches a plateau by 20 weeks. This leads to increased production of total T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 20
Correct
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Raised FSH levels are found in all of the following conditions, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Women on combined oral contraceptive pills
Explanation:Oestrogen- and progesterone-containing oral contraceptives inhibit LH, which suppresses the FSH and LH levels, preventing follicular development and ovulation. Combined pills suppress FSH and LH throughout the cycle, inhibit endometrial proliferation, and produce a scanty cervical mucus.Â
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 21
Correct
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Aromatase is key to Oestradiol production in the ovaries. Which of the following statements is true?
Your Answer: FSH induces the granulosa cells to make aromatase
Explanation:The two main cell types of the ovaries:
1. The theca cells produce androgen in the form of androstenedione. The theca cells are not able to convert androgen to oestradiol themselves. The produced androgen is therefore taken up by granulosa cells.
2. The neighbouring granulosa cells then convert the androgen into oestradiol under the enzymatic action of aromatase FSH induces the granulosa cells to produce aromatase for this purpose -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 22
Correct
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Which major hormone of pregnancy is produced by the placenta from 16-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (16-OH DHEAS)?
Your Answer: Estriol
Explanation:The placenta produces Estriol from 16-OH DHEAS. Estriol is the major oestrogen (oestrogen) of pregnancy and the placenta is the primary site of production. Pregnenolone is synthesised by the placenta from cholesterol and this is converted to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the fetal adrenal gland
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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High levels of alpha feto protein are found in all, EXCEPT?
Your Answer: Neural tube defects
Correct Answer: Trisomy 21
Explanation:Pregnant maternal serum AFP levels elevated: Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida, anencephaly); Omphalocele; Gastroschisis.
Pregnant maternal serum AFP low levels: Down syndrome
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following Oestrogens (Oestrogens) becomes the predominant circulating oestrogen during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Estriol
Explanation:Oestradiol is the predominant form of oestrogen during the reproductive life of a female. The estrogenic potency of oestradiol is 12 times more than estrone and 80 times that of estriol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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The following hormones are secreted from the anterior pituitary gland, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: TSH
Correct Answer: HCG
Explanation:The following hormones are excreted from the anterior pituitary gland: TSH, GN, ACTH, LH, FSH, MSH, PRL.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG, or human chorionic gonadotrophin) is a placental hormone secreted by syncitiotrophoblasts during the second week of gestation. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 26
Correct
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Which of the following statements regarding progesterone production in the ovary is true?
Your Answer: Synthesised from cholesterol by Luteal cells
Explanation:After the release of the oocyte, the theca and the granulosa cells form the corpus luteum which undergoes extensive vascularization for continued steroidogenesis. Progesterone is secreted by the luteal cells and is synthesized from cholesterol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 27
Correct
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Oestrogen have all of the following actions, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Prevention of thrombosis
Explanation:The properties of oestrogen:
Structure: Stimulates endometrial growth, maintenance of vessels and skin,
reduces bone resorption, increases bone formation, increases uterine growth
Protein synthesis: Increases hepatic synthesis of binding proteins
Coagulation: Increases circulating levels of factors II, VII, IX, X, antithrombin III and plasminogen; increases platelet adhesiveness
Lipid: Increases HDL and reduces LDL,increases triglycerides, reduces
ketone formation, increases fat deposition
Fluid balance: Salt and water retention
Gastrointestinal: Reduces bowel motility, increases cholesterol in bile -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 28
Correct
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In normal pregnancy, levels of all of the following hormones increases, EXCEPT:
Your Answer: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the 2nd & 3rd trimesters
Explanation:In order to maintain fetal bone growth, the maternal compartment undergoes adjustments that provide a net transfer of sufficient calcium to the foetus. Maternal compartment changes that permit calcium accumulation include increases in maternal dietary intake, increases in maternal 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels, and increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The levels of total calcium and phosphorus decline in maternal serum, but ionized calcium levels remain unchanged. During pregnancy, the placenta forms a calcium pump in which a gradient of calcium and phosphorus is established which favours the foetus. Thus, circulating fetal calcium and phosphorus levels increase steadily throughout gestation. Furthermore, fetal levels of total and ionized calcium, as well as phosphorus, exceed maternal levels at term. By 10-12 weeks’ gestation, the fetal parathyroid glands secrete PTH. Fetal plasma levels of PTH are low during gestation, but increase after delivery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 29
Correct
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The source of progesterone that maintains the pregnancy during early 1st trimester:
Your Answer: Corpus luteum
Explanation:In early pregnancy Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum.. This organ is fundamental for pregnancy maintenance until the placenta (syncytiotrophoblast) takes over its function at the 7-9th week of gestation, just after the expression of major histocompatibility complex antigens is suppressed in extra-embryonic fetal tissue.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 30
Correct
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All of the following are autosomal recessive conditions EXCEPT which one?
Your Answer: Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Explanation:Osteogenesis imperfect is an autosomal dominant condition. All the rest of the options are autosomal recessive conditions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 31
Correct
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A 32 year old woman with a 6 month history of fatigue and some weight gain reports to clinic for a review. Her medical records show evidence of hypothyroidism. On examination, a non tender, hard goitre is palpated. Further tests reveal elevated anti TPO (anti thyroid peroxidase) and anti -Tg (anti thyroglobulin). Which of the following conditions is most likely to present like this?
Your Answer: Hashimoto's
Explanation:The case presented points to a diagnosis of an autoimmune thyroiditis leading to hypothyroidism. The most common form of autoimmune hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, often presents with a goitre, positive for antibody tests against thyroid components i.e. anti-TPO and anti-thyroglobulin. Graves disease and toxic diffuse goitre are more likely to cause hyperthyroidism. While De-Quervain’s and endemic goitre may cause hypothyroidism, they don’t result in positive antibody tests.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 32
Correct
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Question 33
Correct
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What percentage of children does delayed puberty occur in?
Your Answer: 3%
Explanation:Delayed puberty is defined as the absence of breast development in girls beyond the age of 13, and the absence of testicular development in boys beyond the age of 14. The incidence of delayed puberty is 3%, with the condition being more common in boys.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 34
Correct
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Question 35
Correct
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Where is Glucagon produced?
Your Answer: Islet alpha cells
Explanation:The alpha cells in the islets of Langerhans are responsible for the production and secretion of glucagon. The B cells secrete insulin, the D cells secrete somatostatin, and the F cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide. The B cells, which are the most common and account for 60–75% of the cells in the islets, are generally located in the centre of each islet.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 36
Correct
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Question 37
Correct
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Placental production of hPL, hCG, Oestrogen and Progesterone are examples of which type of mechanism
Your Answer: Endocrine
Explanation:Endocrine hormones are released from their site of origin and travel through the blood to act on other distant target organs. Autocrine hormones act within the same cell and exocrine glands secrete their products into ducts.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 38
Correct
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Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) is structurally similar to which of the following hormones?
Your Answer: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Explanation:TSH, FSH, LH and HCG are all similar glycoproteins. These hormones consist of a common α-subunit and specific β-subunit. All are glycosylated, which determines their bioactivity and half-life.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 39
Incorrect
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All of the following organs are involved in oestrogen production except:
Your Answer: Corpus luteum
Correct Answer: Anterior pituitary
Explanation:Oestrogen can be produced by variety of organs including the corpus leuteum, placenta, adrenal glands and testes. However it is not produced by the anterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary produces LH and FSH which in turn causes oestrogen secretion.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 40
Correct
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In relation to ovulation, when does the LH surge occur?
Your Answer: 24-36 hours before ovulation
Explanation:Ovulation usually occurs on day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle. Luteinizing hormone levels spike as a result of increased oestrogen levels secreted from maturing follicles. This LH spike occurs about 24-36 hours before the release of the oocyte from the mature follicle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 41
Correct
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During the menstrual cycle which hormone typically reaches its peak level on day 21 (assuming a 28 day cycle)?
Your Answer: Progesterone
Explanation:LH, FSH and Oestrogen have their peaks just before ovulation on day 14 whereas progesterone peaks around day 21.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 42
Correct
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What percentage of testosterone is bound to SHBG?
Your Answer: 70%
Explanation:About 97% of the testosterone that is secreted loosely binds to the SHBG and circulates in the blood for several hours in this bound state until it is transported to the target organs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 43
Incorrect
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DHEA is synthesized from which molecule?
Your Answer: Oestradiol
Correct Answer: Cholesterol
Explanation:Dehydroepiandrosterone is an androgen precursor produced primarily by the adrenal glands in women. The steroid hormone is produced from cholesterol at birth by the fetal adrenal glands, after which its output reduces. DHEA production picks up again from the age of 5-7 years and peaks between the ages of 20-30.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 44
Correct
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At ovulation the surge in LH causes rupture of the mature oocyte via action on what?
Your Answer: Theca externa
Explanation:The luteinizing hormone (LH) surge during ovulation causes: Increases cAMP resulting in increased progesterone and PGF2 production PGF2 causes contraction of theca externa smooth muscle cells resulting in rupture of the mature oocyte
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 45
Correct
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Where is fetal DHEA produced?
Your Answer: Adrenals
Explanation:DHEA is formed in the mother’s adrenal gland as well as the fetal adrenal glands. These weak androgens are transported by the blood to the placenta and are converted into oestradiol, estrone and estriol in the trophoblast.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 46
Correct
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The ovaries produce androgen and progesterone. What is the common precursor for both of these hormones?
Your Answer: Cholesterol
Explanation:Both the female hormones, namely progesterone and oestrogen as well as the male hormones or androgens are lipid soluble. The common precursor of these is cholesterol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 47
Incorrect
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Whilst reviewing a 34 year old patient with amenorrhoea in clinic they tell you they have gained over 10kg in weight in the past 8 weeks and have noticed worsening acne. Routine bloods taken that morning show a random glucose 11.1mmol/l, normal thyroid function tests and negative pregnancy test. BP is 168/96 mmHg. You suspect Cushing's. What would the most appropriate investigation be to conform the diagnosis?
Your Answer: 9am serum cortisol
Correct Answer: Dexamethasone suppression test
Explanation:In Cushing’s syndrome there is excess cortisol. Causes are broadly divided into 2 types: ACTH dependent disease: excess ACTH from the pituitary (Cushing’s disease), ectopic ACTH-producing tumours or excess ACTH administration. Non-ACTH-dependent: adrenal adenomas, adrenal carcinomas, excess glucocorticoid administration. The recommended diagnostic tests for the presence of Cushing’s syndrome are 24-hour urinary free cortisol, 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test and late-night salivary cortisol. There are several other tests that may also be performed to find the cause. ACTH and cortisol measured together may show if this is ACTH dependent or not. MRI pituitary and CT abdo and pelvis may show if tumour is the cause.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 48
Correct
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Which of the following is the primary stimulator of uterine involution following child birth?
Your Answer: Oxytocin
Explanation:Oxytocin stimulates the myoepithelial cells in the breast causing the milk production. It also helps augment contractions in labour and cause uterine involution after childbirth.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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Question 49
Correct
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Question 50
Correct
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Oxytocin causes increased myometrial contraction via which of the following messenger pathways?
Your Answer: Activates phospholipase-C which produces IP3 which triggers intracellular Calcium ion release
Explanation:Oxytocin acts via the G protein receptors and the calcium-calmodulin complex. It activates phospholipase C which produces IP3 to further trigger the calcium-calmodulin complex increasing intracellular Ca ion release.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Endocrinology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
