Q: Which of the following is a correct sequence for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to cortisol release?

$$\text{CRH} \rightarrow \text{ACTH} \rightarrow \text{Cortisol}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between peptide and steroid hormones in terms of their mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Peptide hormones bind to cell surface receptors and activate second messenger systems, while steroid hormones bind to intracellular receptors and alter gene transcription.

Question 2

A patient presents with symptoms of hypercortisolism, including thin arms and legs, trunk obesity, and a 'moon face.' Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex

Question 3

Which hormone is secreted by the posterior pituitary and is primarily responsible for regulating water balance in the body?

Accepted Answer

Vasopressin (ADH)

Question 4

A patient with a deficiency in parathyroid hormone (PTH) would most likely exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia due to decreased mobilization of calcium from bone

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why steroid hormones can be taken orally, while peptide hormones like insulin must be injected?

Accepted Answer

Steroid hormones are lipid-soluble and are not destroyed by digestive enzymes, while peptide hormones are destroyed by digestive enzymes.

Question 6

Which of the following hormone interactions describes a situation where one hormone is required for another hormone to exert its full effect?

Accepted Answer

Permissiveness

Question 7

A patient with goiter and low levels of T3 and T4, but high levels of TSH, is most likely suffering from which condition?

Accepted Answer

Primary hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

It decreases blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclast activity and increasing renal excretion of calcium.

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct sequence for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis leading to cortisol release?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{CRH} ightarrow 	ext{ACTH} ightarrow 	ext{Cortisol}$$

Question 10

A child with normal growth hormone (GH) levels but severe hypothyroidism will most likely:

Accepted Answer

Fail to reach normal height due to the permissive role of thyroid hormone in growth.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal system?

Accepted Answer

It delivers hypothalamic hormones directly to the anterior pituitary, allowing small amounts to elicit a response.

Question 12

Which of the following is a feature of amine hormones derived from tyrosine?

Accepted Answer

Catecholamines (like epinephrine) are water-soluble and bind to cell surface receptors.

Question 13

A patient is given a drug that blocks the action of vitamin D3. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Decreased intestinal absorption of calcium

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why a patient with Addison’s disease (autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex) would have low blood glucose?

Accepted Answer

Lack of cortisol reduces gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone?

Accepted Answer

Stimulates osteoclasts to resorb bone, increasing blood calcium levels.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of Graves’ disease?

Accepted Answer

Autoantibodies mimic TSH, causing hyperthyroidism and goiter.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion?

Accepted Answer

GH secretion is stimulated by GHRH and inhibited by somatostatin.

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of cortisol during stress?

Accepted Answer

Promotes gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Question 19

A patient with osteoporosis is prescribed calcitonin. What is the expected effect of this hormone?

Accepted Answer

Decreased bone resorption and decreased blood calcium

Endocrine System: Hormones, Mechanisms, and Pathologies

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