A 46-year-old woman has hirsutism, hyperglycemia, obesity, muscle wasting, and increased ACTH. The most likely cause of her symptoms is

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: primary overproduction of ACTH (Cushing disease). In this case, the symptoms match those of Cushing syndrome, which is characterized by excess cortisol production. The increased ACTH levels are indicative of the pituitary gland overproducing ACTH, leading to excess cortisol. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not match the symptoms presented. Choice D is incorrect because exogenous glucocorticoids would not lead to increased ACTH levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: bones and skeletal muscles. Growth hormone primarily targets these tissues to promote growth and development. Growth hormone stimulates bone growth by acting on bone cells and increasing protein synthesis in skeletal muscles, leading to muscle growth. The other choices are incorrect because growth hormone does not directly target blood vessels, adrenal glands, or the liver for growth-promoting effects. Growth hormone primarily affects bone and muscle tissues for growth and repair.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Aldosterone functions to increase sodium reabsorption. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that acts on the kidneys to enhance the reabsorption of sodium and water and excretion of potassium. This helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Aldosterone is not secreted by the neurohypophysis, but by the adrenal glands. C: Aldosterone actually decreases potassium concentration in the blood. D: Aldosterone production is primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, not greatly influenced by ACTH.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: peptides (proteins) and steroids. Peptides and steroids are the two main categories of hormones based on their chemical makeup. Peptides are made up of amino acids and include proteins, while steroids are derived from cholesterol. This classification is essential because it determines how hormones are synthesized and how they interact with target cells. Glands and cortex (option A) do not represent the chemical makeup of hormones, proteins and carbohydrates (option B) are broad categories that do not specifically address hormone types, and endocrine and ectocrine (option D) refer to different types of glands, not the chemical composition of hormones.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alcohol suppresses the secretion of ADH (antidiuretic hormone), which leads to a decrease in the reabsorption of water from the kidneys. ADH is responsible for increasing water reabsorption, so suppressing it results in more water being excreted. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because alcohol does not affect aldosterone secretion, and aldosterone primarily regulates sodium reabsorption rather than water reabsorption. ADH is the hormone directly involved in water reabsorption in the kidneys, making choice A the correct answer.