Complete Exam Guide Subject-wise practice platform
0 XP
Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology

Endocrine disorders Practice Questions

39 free Endocrine disorders practice questions for the Physiology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

Practice in Quiz Mode

Question 1 of 39 Medium

Diabetes mellitus type 1 is primarily caused by:

  1. A Peripheral insulin resistance
  2. B Autoimmune destruction of beta cells
  3. C Excess secretion of glucagon
  4. D Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction and inflammation

Correct answer: Autoimmune destruction of beta cells

Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. This leads to absolute insulin deficiency.

Question 2 of 39 Medium

The most common endocrine disorder worldwide is:

  1. A Cushing syndrome from cortisol excess
  2. B Diabetes mellitus
  3. C Addison disease
  4. D Acromegaly

Correct answer: Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus affects a large proportion of the global population. Both type 1 and type 2 contribute to its prevalence.

Question 3 of 39 Medium

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by increased levels of:

  1. A TSH only
  2. B T3 and T4
  3. C Calcitonin
  4. D Parathyroid hormone

Correct answer: T3 and T4

Hyperthyroidism involves excess secretion of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. This increases metabolic rate.

Question 4 of 39 Medium

Graves disease is caused by:

  1. A Autoimmune destruction of thyroid follicular tissue
  2. B Autoantibodies stimulating TSH receptors
  3. C A hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma
  4. D Dietary iodine deficiency

Correct answer: Autoantibodies stimulating TSH receptors

Graves disease involves autoantibodies that activate TSH receptors. This leads to excessive thyroid hormone production.

Question 5 of 39 Medium

Hypothyroidism commonly presents with:

  1. A Weight loss and heat intolerance
  2. B Weight gain and cold intolerance
  3. C Tachycardia and anxiety
  4. D Excessive sweating

Correct answer: Weight gain and cold intolerance

Reduced thyroid hormone levels lower metabolic rate. This causes weight gain and cold intolerance.

Question 6 of 39 Medium

Cushing syndrome results from excess secretion of:

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Insulin
  4. D Growth hormone

Correct answer: Cortisol

Cushing syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels. This leads to metabolic and immune disturbances.

Question 7 of 39 Medium

Addison disease is characterized by deficiency of:

  1. A Thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and triiodothyronine
  2. B Adrenal cortex hormones
  3. C Insulin
  4. D Parathyroid hormone

Correct answer: Adrenal cortex hormones

Addison disease involves adrenal cortex failure. This causes reduced cortisol and aldosterone secretion.

Question 8 of 39 Medium

Which feature is commonly seen in Addison disease?

  1. A Hypertension with fluid retention and edema
  2. B Hyperglycemia
  3. C Hyperpigmentation
  4. D Weight gain

Correct answer: Hyperpigmentation

Increased ACTH levels stimulate melanocytes. This causes hyperpigmentation of skin and mucosa.

Question 9 of 39 Medium

Acromegaly is caused by excessive secretion of:

  1. A Insulin from the pancreatic beta cells
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Growth hormone
  4. D Prolactin

Correct answer: Growth hormone

Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone secretion in adults. This leads to enlargement of extremities.

Question 10 of 39 Medium

Gigantism differs from acromegaly because it:

  1. A Occurs in adults after skeletal maturity
  2. B Occurs before epiphyseal closure
  3. C Is caused by cortisol excess
  4. D Results in short stature

Correct answer: Occurs before epiphyseal closure

Gigantism occurs in children before epiphyseal fusion. This leads to excessive linear growth.

Question 11 of 39 Medium

Hyperparathyroidism results in increased levels of:

  1. A Serum calcium
  2. B Serum phosphate
  3. C Vitamin D
  4. D Calcitonin

Correct answer: Serum calcium

Parathyroid hormone increases bone resorption and calcium reabsorption. This raises serum calcium levels.

Question 12 of 39 Medium

Hypoparathyroidism commonly leads to:

  1. A Hypercalcemia
  2. B Tetany
  3. C Bone resorption
  4. D Kidney stones

Correct answer: Tetany

Low parathyroid hormone reduces serum calcium. This increases neuromuscular excitability causing tetany.

Question 13 of 39 Medium

Which hormone deficiency causes diabetes insipidus?

  1. A Aldosterone from the adrenal cortex
  2. B Insulin
  3. C Antidiuretic hormone
  4. D Thyroxine

Correct answer: Antidiuretic hormone

Deficiency of antidiuretic hormone impairs water reabsorption in kidneys. This leads to excessive dilute urine.

Question 14 of 39 Medium

Primary hyperaldosteronism causes:

  1. A Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
  2. B Hypernatremia and hypokalemia
  3. C Hypotension
  4. D Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: Hypernatremia and hypokalemia

Excess aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. This causes hypernatremia and hypokalemia.

Question 15 of 39 Medium

Which endocrine disorder is associated with insulin resistance?

  1. A Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  2. B Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  3. C Addison disease
  4. D Hypothyroidism

Correct answer: Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes involves decreased sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Insulin levels may be normal or high initially.

Question 16 of 39 Medium

Pheochromocytoma is a tumor that secretes excess:

  1. A Cortisol
  2. B Aldosterone
  3. C Catecholamines
  4. D Growth hormone

Correct answer: Catecholamines

Pheochromocytoma arises from adrenal medulla cells. It secretes excessive catecholamines causing hypertension.

Question 17 of 39 Medium

Which symptom is most characteristic of hyperthyroidism?

  1. A Bradycardia
  2. B Cold intolerance
  3. C Heat intolerance
  4. D Weight gain

Correct answer: Heat intolerance

Excess thyroid hormones increase metabolic activity. This causes heat intolerance and weight loss.

Question 18 of 39 Medium

Prolactinoma most commonly causes:

  1. A Hyperthyroidism
  2. B Galactorrhea
  3. C Cushing syndrome
  4. D Acromegaly

Correct answer: Galactorrhea

Prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors increase prolactin levels. This leads to galactorrhea and reproductive dysfunction.

Question 19 of 39 Medium

Which endocrine disorder results from iodine deficiency?

  1. A Graves disease
  2. B Cushing syndrome
  3. C Endemic goiter
  4. D Addison disease

Correct answer: Endemic goiter

Iodine deficiency reduces thyroid hormone synthesis. This leads to compensatory thyroid enlargement known as goiter.

Question 20 of 39 Medium

Which of the following laboratory findings is most characteristic of primary hypothyroidism?

  1. A High TSH and low Free T4
  2. B Low TSH and low Free T4
  3. C Low TSH and high Free T4
  4. D High TSH and high Free T4

Correct answer: High TSH and low Free T4

In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough T4, which removes the negative feedback on the pituitary, leading to an adaptive increase in TSH.

Question 21 of 39 Medium

Conn syndrome is specifically defined as a primary excess of which hormone?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Epinephrine
  4. D Antidiuretic hormone

Correct answer: Aldosterone

Conn syndrome, or primary hyperaldosteronism, is typically caused by an aldosterone-secreting adenoma of the adrenal cortex, leading to hypertension and hypokalemia.

Question 22 of 39 Medium

A patient presenting with 'moon face,' abdominal striae, and central obesity likely suffers from an excess of:

  1. A Thyroxine
  2. B Growth hormone
  3. C Glucagon
  4. D Cortisol

Correct answer: Cortisol

These are classic clinical signs of Cushing syndrome, which results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of glucocorticoids like cortisol.

Question 23 of 39 Medium

Which disorder is characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that mimic TSH?

  1. A Graves disease
  2. B Hashimoto thyroiditis
  3. C Plummer disease
  4. D Myxedema

Correct answer: Graves disease

Graves disease is an autoimmune condition where antibodies bind to and activate the TSH receptor, causing autonomous overproduction of thyroid hormones.

Question 24 of 39 Medium

In secondary adrenal insufficiency, which of the following is typically spared due to its regulation by the RAAS rather than ACTH?

  1. A Aldosterone
  2. B Cortisol
  3. C Androgens
  4. D Epinephrine

Correct answer: Aldosterone

Secondary adrenal insufficiency (pituitary failure) results in low ACTH. While cortisol and androgens drop, aldosterone levels remain relatively normal because aldosterone is primarily regulated by the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System.

Question 25 of 39 Medium

Central diabetes insipidus is distinguished from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by:

  1. A Response to vasopressin therapy
  2. B The presence of glucose in the urine
  3. C The inability to produce insulin
  4. D Increased thirst and polyuria

Correct answer: Response to vasopressin therapy

Central DI is a lack of ADH production; therefore, the kidneys will respond to synthetic ADH (Desmopressin). Nephrogenic DI is a lack of kidney response to ADH.

Question 26 of 39 Medium

What is the primary physiological defect in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

  1. A Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells
  2. B Absolute insulin deficiency
  3. C Excessive glucose intake
  4. D Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency

Correct answer: Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by target tissues failing to respond normally to insulin, often coupled with a later decline in beta-cell secretory function.

Question 27 of 39 Medium

Which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly associated with Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

  1. A Hypocalcemia
  2. B Hypercalcemia
  3. C Hyperkalemia
  4. D Hypophosphatemia

Correct answer: Hypercalcemia

Excess Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) increases bone resorption, renal calcium reabsorption, and intestinal calcium absorption, leading to elevated blood calcium levels.

Question 28 of 39 Medium

Sheehan syndrome is a condition of pituitary necrosis typically occurring after:

  1. A Severe traumatic brain injury
  2. B Severe postpartum hemorrhage
  3. C Untreated iodine deficiency
  4. D Elective adrenal tumor surgery

Correct answer: Severe postpartum hemorrhage

Sheehan syndrome is ischemic necrosis of the anterior pituitary gland following severe hypotension or shock during or after childbirth.

Question 29 of 39 Medium

Which of the following is a common symptom of a Pheochromocytoma due to catecholamine excess?

  1. A Persistent bradycardia and fatigue
  2. B Gradual weight gain and lethargy
  3. C Episodic hypertension and palpitations
  4. D Recurrent hypoglycemia and tremors

Correct answer: Episodic hypertension and palpitations

Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the adrenal medulla that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, causing surges in blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating.

Question 30 of 39 Medium

Hypoglycemia in a fasting state, accompanied by high levels of C-peptide, is suggestive of:

  1. A Type 1 Diabetes
  2. B Pancreatic insulinoma
  3. C Exogenous insulin administration
  4. D Addison disease

Correct answer: Pancreatic insulinoma

C-peptide is released in a 1:1 ratio with endogenous insulin. High C-peptide during hypoglycemia indicates the body is producing too much insulin, likely from a tumor (insulinoma).

Question 31 of 39 Medium

The clinical finding of 'exophthalmos' (bulging eyes) is most specifically associated with:

  1. A Toxic multinodular goiter
  2. B Graves disease
  3. C Hashimoto thyroiditis
  4. D Cretinism

Correct answer: Graves disease

Exophthalmos is part of Graves' ophthalmopathy, caused by autoimmune-mediated inflammation of the extraocular muscles and orbital fat.

Question 32 of 39 Medium

Hashimoto thyroiditis is primarily characterized by:

  1. A Antibody-mediated stimulation of the thyroid
  2. B Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland
  3. C Overgrowth of the parathyroid glands
  4. D Excessive iodine intake

Correct answer: Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland

Hashimoto's is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas, involving chronic lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of the thyroid.

Question 33 of 39 Medium

Which hormone's hypersecretion leads to the thickening of facial bones and soft tissues in adults after the epiphyseal plates have closed?

  1. A Thyroid stimulating hormone
  2. B Growth hormone
  3. C Prolactin
  4. D Luteinizing hormone

Correct answer: Growth hormone

In adults, GH excess causes acromegaly, which affects soft tissues and flat bones. In children, it causes gigantism due to open growth plates.

Question 34 of 39 Medium

A patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate ADH) will typically demonstrate:

  1. A Hypernatremia with dilute urine
  2. B Hypocalcemia and significant polyuria
  3. C Hyperglycemia with glycosuria
  4. D Hyponatremia and concentrated urine

Correct answer: Hyponatremia and concentrated urine

SIADH involves excessive ADH, which causes the kidneys to retain too much water, diluting the blood (hyponatremia) and making the urine inappropriately concentrated.

Question 35 of 39 Medium

Which of the following is a symptom of hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism?

  1. A Chronic kidney stone formation
  2. B Excessive urination and thirst
  3. C Persistent constipation and bloating
  4. D Muscle tetany and Trousseau sign

Correct answer: Muscle tetany and Trousseau sign

Low calcium levels increase neuronal excitability, leading to involuntary muscle contractions (tetany), spasms, and positive Trousseau/Chvostek signs.

Question 36 of 39 Medium

Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is an acute, life-threatening failure of the adrenal glands caused by:

  1. A Gradual autoimmune destruction of the adrenal cortex
  2. B Pituitary adenoma causing excess ACTH secretion
  3. C Long-term corticosteroid use with abrupt withdrawal
  4. D Hemorrhagic necrosis associated with bacterial sepsis

Correct answer: Hemorrhagic necrosis associated with bacterial sepsis

This syndrome involves massive, usually bilateral, hemorrhage into the adrenal glands, often triggered by Neisseria meningitidis infection.

Question 37 of 39 Medium

Nelson syndrome refers to the rapid enlargement of a pituitary adenoma following the surgical removal of:

  1. A Both adrenal glands
  2. B The entire thyroid gland
  3. C The pancreas gland
  4. D Both of the ovaries

Correct answer: Both adrenal glands

When adrenals are removed to treat Cushing's, the loss of cortisol's negative feedback can cause a pre-existing ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor to grow aggressively.

Question 38 of 39 Medium

Which condition results from severe hypothyroidism in infancy, leading to impaired physical and mental development?

  1. A Cretinism
  2. B Myxedema coma
  3. C Gigantism
  4. D Kallmann syndrome

Correct answer: Cretinism

Congenital hypothyroidism (cretinism) occurs when a newborn lacks adequate thyroid hormone, which is essential for normal brain development and bone growth.

Question 39 of 39 Medium

Kallmann syndrome is characterized by delayed puberty and which of the following sensory deficits?

  1. A Blindness
  2. B Deafness
  3. C Loss of smell
  4. D Loss of taste

Correct answer: Loss of smell

Kallmann syndrome is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism caused by the failure of GnRH-producing neurons to migrate to the hypothalamus, often associated with olfactory bulb hypoplasia.

0 / 39 answered