Which age group does acromegaly most commonly affect?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Acromegaly most commonly affects individuals in the age group of 30-50 years. This condition is typically diagnosed in adults between these ages. Acromegaly is often caused by the overproduction of growth hormone in adults, which leads to excessive bone growth and tissue expansion. While acromegaly can develop at any age, it is more commonly seen in adults within the 30-50 age range.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Ranitidine is not associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis in adults. It is a histamine-2 blocker commonly used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. On the other hand, the other options listed are known to increase the risk of osteoporosis:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Small cell (oat cell) carcinoma of the lung is most commonly associated with the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). This paraneoplastic syndrome occurs in patients with small cell lung cancer due to the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) by the tumor cells. The excessive release of ADH leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia, causing symptoms such as nausea, confusion, seizures, and potentially life-threatening complications. Other types of lung cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, are less commonly associated with SIADH.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acromegaly is a disorder that is characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone (GH) by the pituitary gland in adults. This results in the abnormal growth of bones and tissues, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features. The excess GH is usually caused by a pituitary tumor known as a somatotroph adenoma. This tumor causes the pituitary gland to produce excessive amounts of GH, which in turn leads to the symptoms associated with acromegaly. Treatment for acromegaly often involves surgical removal or reduction of the pituitary tumor, as well as medication to normalize GH levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Charcot joint, also known as neuropathic arthropathy, is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that affects the joints. It commonly affects the foot, especially the midfoot and hindfoot. The condition is characterized by joint deformities, fractures, and dislocations due to nerve damage and loss of sensation in the foot. The repetitive stress on the foot from walking or weight-bearing activities can lead to progressive joint destruction and deformity. It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their foot health closely and seek prompt medical attention if they notice any changes or deformities in their feet.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by various glands in the body and released into the bloodstream to signal and regulate the activity of specific target cells. Unlike energy sources that can be metabolized for energy production (like carbohydrates and fats), hormones are not typically used as an energy source themselves (Choice B). Hormones are typically not biologically inert by themselves (Choice A), as they have specific functions in regulating various physiological processes in the body. While some hormones may be stored in secretory granules before release, not all hormones are stored in this manner (Choice D). Additionally, hormones are not always released by exocytosis (Choice E), as some hormones can also be released through other mechanisms such as diffusion. The correct choice, therefore, is C: hormones are incorporated as a structural moiety into another molecule, as they bind to specific receptors on target cells to elicit a cellular response and regulate physiological functions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Tremor (A): Tremors or shaky hands are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This is due to the increased metabolic rate caused by excess thyroid hormone in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Karyotype 47, XYY refers to the presence of an extra Y chromosome in males. This condition is known as XYY syndrome, also called Jacob's syndrome. Individuals with XYY syndrome are typically phenotypically male but may have some associated physical and behavioral characteristics. These individuals are often referred to as "supermales" due to the presence of the extra Y chromosome. This is different from true hermaphroditism, Klinefelter's syndrome, and gonadal dysgenesis, which have distinct chromosomal patterns and manifestations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Excess prolactin typically causes gynecomastia in men. Prolactin is a hormone primarily responsible for milk production in women. However, in men, elevated levels of prolactin can lead to various symptoms, with gynecomastia being one of the most common. Gynecomastia is the development of breast tissue in males, which can result in swelling and tenderness of the breasts. It is important to investigate the underlying cause of elevated prolactin levels as it could be due to various conditions such as pituitary tumors, certain medications, or thyroid disorders.