Q: Which of the following equations best represents the osmotic effect of aldosterone on water reabsorption in the kidney?

$$\text{Water reabsorption} \propto \text{Na}^+ \text{ reabsorption}$$

Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the main function of the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Production and secretion of steroid hormones including glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens

Question 2

A patient presents with hyperpigmentation, weight loss, hypotension, and salt craving. Laboratory tests reveal low cortisol and aldosterone. Which condition is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Addison's disease

Question 3

Which enzyme is responsible for the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in the mitochondria?

Accepted Answer

CYP11A1 (side-chain cleavage enzyme/desmolase)

Question 4

Which region of the adrenal cortex is primarily responsible for aldosterone synthesis?

Accepted Answer

Zona glomerulosa

Question 5

A researcher blocks the action of ACTH in a developing fetus. What is the most likely effect on the fetal adrenal gland after 20 weeks gestation?

Accepted Answer

The adrenal gland will atrophy

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why aldosterone, and not cortisol, primarily regulates sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule despite both hormones binding the mineralocorticoid receptor?

Accepted Answer

Cells expressing mineralocorticoid receptors contain high levels of 11\beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which inactivates cortisol

Question 7

Which of the following is a direct effect of cortisol on liver metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis

Question 8

A patient with an adrenal cortical tumor presents with hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Which hormone is most likely elevated?

Accepted Answer

Aldosterone

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol inhibits both CRH and ACTH release

Question 10

Which of the following is a permissive action of glucocorticoids during stress?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing catecholamine synthesis and fat mobilization

Question 11

Which of the following equations best represents the osmotic effect of aldosterone on water reabsorption in the kidney?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Water reabsorption} \propto 	ext{Na}^+ 	ext{ reabsorption}$$

Question 12

Which of the following is the primary androgen secreted by the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)

Question 13

A patient is given exogenous glucocorticoids for a prolonged period. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of the HPA axis and adrenal atrophy

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the circadian rhythm of ACTH and cortisol secretion in humans?

Accepted Answer

Both peak in the early morning hours and are lowest at night

Question 15

Which of the following is a key anti-inflammatory action of pharmacological glucocorticoids?

Accepted Answer

Stabilization of lysosomal membranes to prevent enzyme release

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why patients with Cushing's syndrome often develop centripetal obesity?

Accepted Answer

Glucocorticoids deplete fat in the extremities but increase fat in the face, neck, and trunk

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the biosynthesis of aldosterone from cholesterol?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol → Pregnenolone → Progesterone → 11-Deoxycorticosterone → Corticosterone → Aldosterone

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of aldosterone on renal epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

Increases Na+ reabsorption and K+ excretion

Question 19

Which of the following is a common cause of secondary adrenocortical insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Chronic exogenous glucocorticoid therapy suppressing ACTH

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the zona glomerulosa cannot synthesize cortisol or androgens?

Accepted Answer

It lacks the enzyme CYP17 (17\alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase)

Adrenal Cortex: Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

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