Oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone are:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone are synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland before being released into the bloodstream. This process is essential for regulating various physiological functions. Choices A and C are incorrect as oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone are not complex steroids and are not released from the anterior pituitary. Choice B is also incorrect because while these hormones are indeed synthesized in the posterior pituitary, they are stored in the posterior pituitary before their release.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Purple skin striae. This is the most common sign of Cushing's syndrome due to the excessive production of cortisol leading to thinning of the skin and formation of purple stretch marks. Hirsutism (A) is excessive hair growth, not specific to Cushing's. Obesity (B) can be a symptom, but it is not the most common. Skin hyperpigmentation (D) is seen in Addison's disease, not Cushing's.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Toxic thyroid adenoma is characterized by a benign tumor in the thyroid gland. Step 2: This tumor produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4. Step 3: The tumor arises from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland. Step 4: Choice D accurately describes a toxic thyroid adenoma as a benign tumor producing excessive thyroid hormones from follicular cells. Summary: Choice A is incorrect because it describes autoimmune thyroid disease, not a toxic adenoma. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a malignant tumor, not a benign one. Choice C is incorrect as it describes thyroiditis, not a toxic adenoma.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elevated glucose levels in obese individuals are often due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to decreased glucose uptake. This results in elevated blood glucose levels. Diabetic acidosis (choice A) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes characterized by high blood ketone levels, not directly related to obesity. Glucose intolerance (choice B) refers to the body's inability to regulate blood glucose levels efficiently but is not specific to obesity. Insulin deficiency (choice D) is characteristic of type 1 diabetes, where the body does not produce enough insulin, which is distinct from insulin resistance seen in obesity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cortisol. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, a steroid hormone involved in stress response and metabolism. Norepinephrine (A) is produced by the adrenal medulla. 5-DHEA (C) is a precursor to sex hormones and not directly produced by the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone (D) is produced by the adrenal cortex but is involved in regulating salt and water balance, not directly related to cortisol production.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ischaemic heart disease. Metabolic syndrome X consists of a cluster of conditions, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Ischaemic heart disease, while commonly associated with metabolic syndrome X due to the increased risk factors, is not a direct component of the syndrome itself. Therefore, it is not considered a part of metabolic syndrome X. Hyperlipidemia (A), obesity (B), and hypertension (D) are all key components of metabolic syndrome X due to their association with insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Excess prolactin causes gynaecomastia due to its stimulatory effect on breast tissue growth in males. Prolactin inhibits the release of testosterone, leading to an imbalance in sex hormones and breast tissue development. Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone, not prolactin. Early menopause is unrelated to prolactin levels. Anaemia is typically not associated with prolactin excess. Thus, gynaecomastia is the most appropriate outcome of excess prolactin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct: 1. Cushing's syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol production. 2. Women are more likely to develop Cushing's syndrome due to hormonal differences. 3. Women have higher cortisol levels naturally, making them more susceptible. 4. Men can still develop Cushing's syndrome but at a lower rate compared to women. Summary: A: Incorrect, as women are more likely to develop Cushing's syndrome. C: Incorrect, as the incidence is higher in women due to hormonal factors. D: Incorrect, as it refers to thyroid hormones, not cortisol in Cushing's syndrome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sertoli cells are responsible for producing and secreting Androgen binding globulin (ABG). They play a crucial role in supporting spermatogenesis by providing structural and nutritional support to developing sperm cells. ABG helps in the transport of testosterone and other androgens within the seminiferous tubules, aiding in the regulation of spermatogenesis. Testosterone is primarily produced by Leydig cells in the testes, not by Sertoli cells, making option A incorrect. Option B, Oestrogen, is mainly synthesized in the ovaries, while Sertoli cells do not produce GnRH (option D), which is secreted by the hypothalamus. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as Sertoli cells are primarily responsible for producing and secreting Androgen binding globulin.