Endocrinology Practice Questions

Q: All the following factors stimulate growth hormone secretion except?

Increased blood glucose. **Explanation:** Growth Hormone (GH) secretion is pulsatile and regulated by the hypothalamus via Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) and Somatostatin (GHIH). Its release is primarily triggered by states of energy deficiency or increased metabolic demand. **Why Increased Blood Glucose is the Correct Answer:** Hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose) acts as a potent **inhibitor** of GH secretion. When blood glucose levels are high, the body suppresses GH to prevent further glucose elevation, as GH is a "diabetogenic" hormone that decreases peripheral glucose uptake and increases gluconeogenesis. Conversely, **hypoglycemia** is a powerful stimulator of GH. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Deep Sleep (Stage 3 & 4 NREM):** The largest peak of GH secretion occurs roughly 60 minutes after the onset of deep sleep. This is why adequate sleep is critical for growth in children. * **Increased Blood Amino Acids:** High levels of amino acids (especially Arginine) stimulate GH secretion. This promotes protein synthesis and tissue growth, utilizing the available building blocks. * **Exercise:** Physical stress and exercise are potent physiological stimuli for GH release, mediated by increased sympathetic activity and the need for fuel mobilization (lipolysis). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **Gherlin:** Produced by the stomach, it is the only peripheral hormone that directly stimulates GH secretion (the "hunger hormone"). 2. **Somatomedins (IGF-1):** GH acts on the liver to produce IGF-1, which exerts negative feedback on GH secretion. 3. **L-Dopa & Clonidine:** Both are pharmacological stimulators used in clinical "GH stimulation tests" to diagnose deficiency. 4. **Obesity:** GH secretion is significantly **decreased** in obese individuals.

Q: What is the effect of steroids on calcium?

Increased excretion of calcium from the kidney. **Explanation:** Glucocorticoids (steroids) exert a significant **antagonistic effect on calcium metabolism**, primarily leading to a reduction in total body calcium. 1. **Why Option C is Correct:** Steroids directly inhibit calcium reabsorption in the renal tubules. By decreasing tubular reabsorption, they promote **hypercalciuria** (increased excretion of calcium in the urine). This is a key mechanism used clinically to treat hypercalcemia (e.g., in sarcoidosis or Vitamin D toxicity). 2. **Why Option B is Incorrect:** Steroids actually **decrease** the intestinal absorption of calcium. They antagonize the actions of Vitamin D in the gut and inhibit the expression of calbindin (the calcium-binding protein), leading to reduced calcium uptake. 3. **Why Option A is Incorrect:** Because steroids decrease gut absorption and increase renal excretion, the net effect is a **decrease in plasma calcium levels** (hypocalcemia). This drop in plasma calcium triggers a secondary rise in Parathyroid Hormone (PTH), which then mobilizes calcium from the bones. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Steroid-Induced Osteoporosis:** The combination of decreased gut absorption, increased renal loss, and secondary hyperparathyroidism leads to increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption. * **Vitamin D Antagonism:** Steroids are the treatment of choice for **Vitamin D toxicity** because they counteract Vitamin D’s effect on the gut and kidneys. * **Growth:** In children, the chronic use of steroids can lead to growth retardation partly due to these alterations in calcium and bone metabolism.

Q: Which hormone inhibits both resorption and formation of bone?

Glucocorticoids. **Explanation:** Glucocorticoids have a profound, dual inhibitory effect on bone metabolism, making them a common cause of secondary osteoporosis. 1. **Why Glucocorticoids are correct:** * **Inhibition of Formation:** They directly inhibit **osteoblast** proliferation and differentiation. They also increase osteoblast and osteocyte apoptosis, leading to a significant decrease in bone formation. * **Stimulation of Resorption:** While they primarily inhibit formation, they also promote bone resorption by increasing the expression of **RANKL** and decreasing **Osteoprotegerin (OPG)**, which activates osteoclasts. * *Note:* In the context of this specific physiological question, Glucocorticoids are unique because they suppress the cellular activity of the "Bone Remodeling Unit" as a whole, though the net result is rapid bone loss. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Estrogen:** Inhibits bone resorption (by inducing osteoclast apoptosis) but generally supports bone maintenance; it does not inhibit formation. * **Vitamin D (Calcitriol):** Primarily promotes bone mineralization (formation) by increasing intestinal Calcium and Phosphate absorption. While it can stimulate osteoclasts at high levels, its physiological role is bone health. * **Parathormone (PTH):** Increases bone resorption (via RANKL) to raise serum calcium. Intermittent low doses actually *stimulate* bone formation (anabolic effect), which is the basis for Teriparatide therapy. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis (GIO):** This is the most common drug-induced osteoporosis. The most rapid bone loss occurs within the first 6 months of therapy. * **Mechanism:** Glucocorticoids also decrease intestinal calcium absorption and increase renal calcium excretion, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. * **Bisphosphonates** are the first-line treatment for preventing GIO.

Q: Breastfeeding is maximized during sleep. What is the physiological reason for this phenomenon?

Prolactin levels are elevated during sleep.. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **A. Prolactin levels are elevated during sleep.** **Physiological Basis:** Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for the synthesis and secretion of milk (lactogenesis). Its secretion follows a distinct **circadian rhythm** and is highly influenced by the sleep-wake cycle. Prolactin levels begin to rise shortly after the onset of sleep, reaching their peak during the early morning hours (REM and non-REM stages). This nocturnal surge occurs independently of the suckling stimulus, though suckling further enhances release via the neuroendocrine reflex. Therefore, the physiological increase in prolactin during sleep ensures maximal milk production capacity during the night and early morning. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option B:** While rest is beneficial for maternal well-being, "rest" itself is not the primary physiological driver of milk synthesis; the hormonal milieu (prolactin) is the definitive factor. * **Option C:** Proximity may facilitate the *opportunity* for feeding, but it does not explain the underlying *physiological* mechanism of increased milk availability. * **Option D:** This is incorrect because prolactin secretion is highly dependent on sleep status and the circadian clock. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Source:** Prolactin is secreted by **Lactotrophs** (Acidophils) in the Anterior Pituitary. * **Inhibitory Control:** Unlike most pituitary hormones, Prolactin is under tonic inhibition by **Dopamine** (Prolactin-Inhibiting Hormone) from the hypothalamus. * **Stimulatory Factors:** TRH (Thyrotropin-releasing hormone) and Oxytocin can stimulate prolactin release. * **Clinical Correlation:** Night-time breastfeeding is often encouraged to maintain a high milk supply and can also prolong **lactational amenorrhea** due to the inhibitory effect of prolactin on GnRH.

Q: Excess secretion of aldosterone causes all except?

Very high Na+ in plasma. This question tests your understanding of the **Aldosterone Escape** phenomenon and the renal handling of sodium. ### Why "Very high Na+ in plasma" is the Correct Answer While aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts, it does **not** cause a significant rise in plasma sodium concentration (hypernatremia). This is because: 1. **Water follows Sodium:** As sodium is reabsorbed, water is reabsorbed osmotically in equal proportions, maintaining an isotonic state. 2. **Aldosterone Escape:** The initial increase in ECF volume triggers the release of **Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)** and increases the pressure natriuresis. This causes the kidneys to "escape" the sodium-retaining effects, leading to a new steady state where sodium excretion matches intake. Thus, plasma Na+ remains within the normal or high-normal range, never "very high." ### Explanation of Incorrect Options * **A. Increased ECF:** Aldosterone causes sodium and water retention, which directly expands the extracellular fluid volume. * **C. Increased Blood Pressure:** ECF expansion leads to increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance, resulting in hypertension (a hallmark of Conn’s Syndrome). * **D. Natriuresis:** This refers to the "Aldosterone Escape." Once the ECF volume expands to a certain point (usually after 2-3 kg of weight gain), the body compensates by increasing sodium excretion (natriuresis) to prevent edema. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **Conn’s Syndrome Triad:** Hypertension, Hypokalemia, and Metabolic Alkalosis. * **The "Escape" Rule:** Aldosterone escape explains why patients with primary hyperaldosteronism have **hypertension but no clinical edema.** * **Electrolytes:** Aldosterone acts on Principal cells (reabsorb Na+, secrete K+) and Alpha-intercalated cells (secrete H+). Therefore, excess leads to **Hypokalemia** and **Alkalosis**.

Q: Which one of the following is present intracellularly in muscle cells?

Corticosteroid. **Explanation:** The location of a hormone's receptor—and thus its presence inside a cell—is primarily determined by its **solubility**. **1. Why Corticosteroid is correct:** Corticosteroids (like cortisol) are **steroid hormones** derived from cholesterol. Being lipophilic (lipid-soluble), they easily diffuse across the phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Once inside the muscle cell, they bind to **intracellular receptors** (specifically cytoplasmic receptors), which then translocate to the nucleus to act as transcription factors. Therefore, corticosteroids are physically present within the intracellular compartment to exert their effects. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Insulin (Option A):** A peptide hormone that is water-soluble. It cannot cross the lipid membrane and binds to a **Tyrosine Kinase receptor** located on the cell surface. * **Epinephrine (Option C):** A catecholamine (amino acid derivative). Despite its small size, it is polar and binds to **G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs)** on the plasma membrane. * **Glucagon (Option D):** A peptide hormone that binds to membrane-bound GPCRs to activate the cAMP second messenger system. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Intracellular Receptors:** Remember the mnemonic **"VET TV"** (Vitamin D, Estrogen, Testosterone, Thyroid hormones (T3/T4), and Vitamin A/Retinoids). Note that while Thyroid hormones are amines, they are the exception and act intracellularly (nuclear receptors). * **Cytoplasmic vs. Nuclear:** Most steroid receptors (like Corticosteroids) are **cytoplasmic**, while Thyroid and Estrogen receptors are primarily **nuclear**. * **Mechanism of Action:** Hormones with intracellular receptors have a slower onset but longer duration of action compared to membrane-binding hormones because they alter gene transcription.

Q: A semen analysis reveals 15 million sperm/ml with a total of 15% motile sperm. What does this signify?

Oligoasthenozoospermia. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Oligoasthenozoospermia** because the semen analysis shows abnormalities in both sperm count and sperm motility. 1. **Oligozoospermia:** According to the WHO (2021) criteria, the lower reference limit for sperm concentration is **15 million sperm/ml**. While 15 million is exactly at the cutoff, any value below or at the borderline in clinical scenarios—especially when combined with other defects—is categorized under the "Oligo" (few) spectrum. 2. **Asthenozoospermia:** This refers to reduced sperm motility. The WHO standard requires at least **40% total motility** (or 32% progressive motility). A value of **15% motility** is significantly below the normal range. Since both concentration and motility are impaired, the combined term **Oligoasthenozoospermia** is used. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Aspermia:** The complete absence of semen (ejaculate), not just sperm. * **Asthenozoospermia:** Only addresses the motility defect (15%) but ignores the borderline/low sperm count. * **Oligozoospermia:** Only addresses the low sperm count but ignores the motility defect. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Azoospermia:** Absence of sperm in the ejaculate. * **Teratozoospermia:** Abnormal sperm morphology (<4% normal forms). * **Necrozoospermia:** All sperm in the ejaculate are dead. * **Globozoospermia:** A rare condition where sperm have round heads and lack an acrosome ("round-headed sperm"), leading to infertility. * **Normal Semen Volume:** 1.5 to 5.0 ml. * **Fructose:** Produced by seminal vesicles; its absence suggests bilateral congenital absence of the vas deferens or ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Q: Which of the following is most likely to result in a decreased rate of aldosterone release?

A decrease in IP3 in cells of the zona glomerulosa. **Explanation:** Aldosterone is synthesized and secreted by the **zona glomerulosa** of the adrenal cortex. Its release is primarily regulated by the **Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)** and serum potassium levels. **Why Option D is Correct:** Both Angiotensin II and extracellular Potassium (K+) stimulate the zona glomerulosa cells via the **Gq-protein coupled receptor** pathway. Activation of this pathway stimulates the enzyme Phospholipase C, which cleaves PIP2 into **Inositol triphosphate (IP3)** and Diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 triggers the release of intracellular calcium, which is the crucial signal for aldosterone synthesis. Therefore, a **decrease in IP3** would interrupt this signaling cascade, leading to a decreased rate of aldosterone release. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A:** Increased renin leads to increased Angiotensin II, which is a potent stimulator of aldosterone release. * **Option B:** A rise in serum potassium directly depolarizes the zona glomerulosa cell membrane, opening voltage-gated calcium channels and increasing aldosterone secretion to facilitate K+ excretion. * **Option C:** A fall in renal blood pressure (detected by the juxtaglomerular apparatus) triggers renin release, ultimately increasing aldosterone to promote sodium and water retention. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Primary Stimuli:** The two most important regulators of aldosterone are **Angiotensin II** and **Hyperkalemia**. * **ACTH Role:** ACTH has a "permissive" effect; it is necessary for aldosterone secretion but does not regulate its minute-to-minute levels (unlike cortisol). * **Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP):** This is the primary hormone that **inhibits** aldosterone secretion by antagonizing the RAAS. * **Mechanism:** Aldosterone acts on the **Principal cells** of the late distal tubule and collecting duct to increase Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion.

Question 1

All the following factors stimulate growth hormone secretion except?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood glucose

Answer

Deep sleep

Answer

Increased blood amino acids

Answer

Exercise

Question 2

What is the effect of steroids on calcium?

Accepted Answer

Increased excretion of calcium from the kidney

Answer

Increased plasma calcium level

Answer

Increased absorption of calcium from the gut

Answer

None of the above

Question 3

Which hormone inhibits both resorption and formation of bone?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids

Answer

Estrogen

Answer

Vitamin D

Answer

Parathormone

Question 4

Breastfeeding is maximized during sleep. What is the physiological reason for this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Prolactin levels are elevated during sleep.

Answer

Maternal and infant rest promotes increased milk production.

Answer

The infant's proximity to the mother during sleep facilitates a continuous feeding reflex.

Answer

Breastfeeding frequency is independent of sleep status.

Question 5

Which of the following statements regarding insulin is true?

Accepted Answer

Insulin is composed of two chains linked by three disulfide bonds.

Answer

Insulin circulates in the blood bound to RBCs.

Answer

Insulin is synthesized by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans.

Answer

The elimination half-life of insulin is 60 minutes after subcutaneous injection.

Question 6

All of the following are caused by accidental transection of the pituitary stalk, except:

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Polyuria

Answer

Galactorrhea

Answer

Diabetes insipidus

Question 7

Excess secretion of aldosterone causes all except?

Accepted Answer

Very high Na+ in plasma

Answer

Increased extracellular fluid

Answer

Increased blood pressure

Answer

Natriuresis

Question 8

Which one of the following is present intracellularly in muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Corticosteroid

Answer

Insulin

Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Glucagon

Question 9

A semen analysis reveals 15 million sperm/ml with a total of 15% motile sperm. What does this signify?

Accepted Answer

Oligoasthenozoospermia

Answer

Aspermia

Answer

Asthenozoospermia

Answer

Oligozoospermia

Question 10

Which of the following is most likely to result in a decreased rate of aldosterone release?

Accepted Answer

A decrease in IP3 in cells of the zona glomerulosa

Answer

An increase in renin secretion by the kidney

Answer

A rise in serum potassium

Answer

A fall in blood pressure in the kidney

Endocrinology — MCQs

Endocrinology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?