Adrenal Gland Physiology MCQs

Which zone of the adrenal cortex is associated with the production of mineralocorticoids?

What is the rate-limiting step in corticosteroid hormone synthesis?

What is the function of steroidogenic acute regulatory (stAR) protein in corticosteroid hormone synthesis?

Which adrenal cortical hormone has 21 carbon atoms in its chemical structure?

Which adrenal gland is typically pyramidal in shape?

What is the main source of cholesterol for corticosteroid hormone synthesis in the adrenal cortex?

Which cells in the adrenal medulla can be readily stained with chromic acid salts?

Which zone of the adrenal cortex represents the outer 15% of the cortex?

A 35-year-old woman presents with symptoms of weight gain, hirsutism, and acne. Her laboratory tests show increased levels of DHEA and androstenedione. Which zone of the adrenal cortex is most likely responsible for the excess production of these weak androgens?

A 45-year-old man with primary adrenal insufficiency is found to have decreased levels of cortisol. Which enzyme is most likely responsible for the final conversion step in cortisol synthesis?

A 60-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease is found to have elevated levels of inactive cortisone. Which isoform of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase is likely responsible for the conversion of cortisol to cortisone in her kidneys?

In a patient with increased aldosterone production, which enzyme is most likely responsible for the final step in aldosterone synthesis?

A 35-year-old female patient presents with symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight gain. Laboratory tests reveal increased levels of cortisol. Which of the following enzymes is responsible for converting inactive cortisone to biologically active cortisol?

A 30-year-old male patient presents with symptoms of muscle weakness, increased blood pressure, and hypokalemia. Which of the following receptors does aldosterone primarily bind to in its target tissues?

During pregnancy, which of the following plasma proteins increases due to the increased production of estrogens by the fetoplacental unit?

In adrenal steroidogenesis, which enzyme is present only in the zona glomerulosa cells and is responsible for the production of aldosterone?

A patient with symptoms of primary aldosteronism is found to have high blood pressure and low plasma potassium levels. Which of the following is the primary target organ for aldosterone's action?

A patient is found to have elevated levels of cortisol and aldosterone. Which enzyme protects the integrity of mineralocorticoid receptor regulation by aldosterone under normal circumstances by converting active cortisol to biologically inactive cortisone?

In a patient with Cushing's syndrome, which of the following is a possible consequence of increased glucocorticoids that might lead to increased mineralocorticoid activity?

A 45-year-old male patient presents with persistent hypertension, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Laboratory tests show hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following conditions is most likely responsible for the patient's presentation?

In a patient with hyperaldosteronism, which of the following mechanisms is responsible for the observed metabolic alkalosis?

The patient is diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) and is treated with spironolactone. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism of action of spironolactone?

A 43-year-old female presents with muscle weakness, hypertension, and increased fat distribution in the face, neck, and trunk. Based on these symptoms, she is likely suffering from:

A patient with Cushing's syndrome is experiencing a prolonged glucose tolerance test and a raised fasting blood glucose level. Which of the following actions of cortisol is most likely responsible for this effect?

A patient with apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome is experiencing sodium retention, hypokalemia, and hypertension. Which enzyme's reduced activity or absence is responsible for this condition?

In a patient with chronically raised glucocorticoid levels, which of the following effects on bone is most likely to occur?

A 45-year-old woman with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presents with severe joint pain and swelling. She is prescribed a glucocorticoid to alleviate her symptoms. What is the primary mechanism by which glucocorticoids produce anti-inflammatory effects?

A 32-year-old man with a history of asthma experiences shortness of breath and wheezing. He is prescribed a glucocorticoid to help manage his symptoms. Which of the following best describes the primary mechanism by which glucocorticoids produce an anti-allergic effect?

A 55-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed a glucocorticoid to help manage his symptoms. Which of the following adverse effects is most likely associated with the long-term use of glucocorticoids?

A 34-year-old woman complains of hirsutism and irregular menstrual cycles. Laboratory tests show elevated levels of adrenal androgens. In females, what is a key physiological action of adrenal androgens?

A 60-year-old man with hypertension is diagnosed with Conn's syndrome. Which hormone is primarily responsible for the long-term increase in mean arterial blood pressure associated with this condition?

A 45-year-old woman with low blood pressure is prescribed medication to increase her blood pressure. Her treatment targets the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). What is the primary sensor involved in aldosterone release through the RAS?

A 30-year-old male with a history of hypertension undergoes laboratory tests. The results show elevated levels of renin. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is responsible for the release of which hormone?

A 42-year-old man is diagnosed with hypertension and is prescribed an ACE inhibitor. What is the primary function of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)?

A 55-year-old woman presents with low blood pressure and is prescribed medication to target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). What is the principal controlling stimulus for the production of aldosterone in the RAAS?

A 50-year-old man with hypertension is being treated with a drug that targets the AT1R receptor. Which hormone's effects are being reduced by this treatment?

A 40-year-old woman with a history of chronic kidney disease experiences an increase in serum potassium concentration. How does this change in potassium concentration affect aldosterone release?

A 45-year-old woman is diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency. What is the primary role of corticotrophin (ACTH) in the production of cortisol?

A 36-year-old man experiences prolonged stress due to work-related issues. Which hormone primarily stimulates the release of corticotrophin (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary?

A 32-year-old woman is suspected of having Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol production. What is one mechanism by which cortisol can indirectly inhibit its own production?

A 28-year-old man is found to have abnormally high levels of ACTH. Which time of day are cortisol levels typically at their highest in a normal circadian rhythm?

A 35-year-old woman presents with general fatigue, a darkening of the skin, and low blood pressure. Which diagnostic test would be most appropriate to investigate her suspected condition?

A patient diagnosed with Addison's disease has inadvertently stopped taking their medications. Which of the following is a potential consequence?

In congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), the most common enzyme deficiency is:

A patient with Addison's disease should carry a steroid card to:

A 32-year-old female presents with fatigue, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation. She has slightly low sodium and raised plasma potassium levels. What is the most appropriate initial investigation for this patient?

A neonate presents with ambiguous genitalia and a history of salt-losing crisis. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A patient presents with hypertension, hypokalemia, and suppressed renin levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 25-year-old male presents with hypertension, hypokalemia, and ambiguous genitalia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 40-year-old male presents with persistent hypertension despite multiple antihypertensive medications, hypokalemia, and low renin levels. Which of the following tests would be most helpful in confirming the diagnosis?

A 35-year-old female presents with central obesity, facial rounding, and easy bruising. She has suppressed ACTH levels. Which of the following is the most likely cause of her symptoms?

A patient diagnosed with Conn's syndrome undergoes adrenal venous sampling. The results show excess aldosterone production from both adrenals. What is the most appropriate treatment option for this patient?

A 28-year-old female presents with weight gain, hypertension, and purple striae on her abdomen. She has elevated cortisol levels that do not suppress with a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. What is the next most appropriate diagnostic test for this patient?