HPT Axis And Disorder Flash Cards

Question 1

What is the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

Answer 1

A complex neuroendocrine system that regulates hormone secretion from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Question 2

What are the two main components of the pituitary gland?

Answer 2

Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).

Question 3

What hormones are released by the anterior pituitary?

Answer 3

ACTH, TSH, GH, PRL, LH, and FSH.

Question 4

What hormones are stored and released by the posterior pituitary?

Answer 4

Oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH).

Question 5

What hormone regulates the release of ACTH?

Answer 5

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).

Question 6

What is the function of growth hormone (GH)?

Answer 6

Stimulates growth, protein synthesis, and metabolism.

Question 7

What is the primary inhibitory factor for prolactin secretion?

Answer 7

Dopamine.

Question 8

What is the function of TSH?

Answer 8

Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4.

Question 9

What is the role of oxytocin?

Answer 9

Stimulates uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Question 10

What are common causes of pituitary dysfunction?

Answer 10

Tumors, trauma, inflammation, infarction, and genetic disorders.

Question 11

What is the most common type of pituitary adenoma?

Answer 11

Prolactinoma.

Question 12

What are the symptoms of a prolactinoma?

Answer 12

Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, and decreased libido.

Question 13

What is the first-line treatment for prolactinoma?

Answer 13

Dopamine agonists like cabergoline or bromocriptine.

Question 14

What is Sheehan’s syndrome?

Answer 14

Postpartum pituitary infarction leading to hypopituitarism.

Question 15

What is the most common cause of growth hormone deficiency?

Answer 15

Pituitary tumors or congenital defects.

Question 16

What is acromegaly?

Answer 16

Excess growth hormone secretion in adults, leading to enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Question 17

What is the most common cause of acromegaly?

Answer 17

Pituitary adenoma secreting GH.

Question 18

What test is used to diagnose acromegaly?

Answer 18

Oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement.

Question 19

What is the main treatment for acromegaly?

Answer 19

Transsphenoidal surgery to remove the tumor.

Question 20

What is diabetes insipidus?

Answer 20

A disorder of ADH deficiency leading to polyuria and polydipsia.

Question 21

What are the two types of diabetes insipidus?

Answer 21

Central DI (due to ADH deficiency) and nephrogenic DI (due to renal resistance to ADH).

Question 22

What is the water deprivation test used for?

Answer 22

To differentiate between central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

Question 23

What is the treatment for central diabetes insipidus?

Answer 23

Desmopressin (DDAVP).

Question 24

What is SIADH?

Answer 24

Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion, leading to hyponatremia and water retention.

Question 25

What are the common causes of SIADH?

Answer 25

Lung cancer, CNS disorders, medications, and infections.

Question 26

What is the treatment for SIADH?

Answer 26

Fluid restriction, salt tablets, and vasopressin receptor antagonists.

Question 27

What is panhypopituitarism?

Answer 27

Deficiency of all anterior pituitary hormones.

Question 28

What is the gold standard test for assessing adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 28

ACTH stimulation test.

Question 29

What is Cushing’s disease?

Answer 29

Excess ACTH secretion from a pituitary adenoma causing hypercortisolism.

Question 30

What is the most common cause of secondary hypothyroidism?

Answer 30

Pituitary dysfunction leading to decreased TSH production.

Question 31

What is the effect of excess GH in children?

Answer 31

Gigantism.

Question 32

What is the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia?

Answer 32

Prolactinoma.

Question 33

What medication is commonly associated with drug-induced hyperprolactinemia?

Answer 33

Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, haloperidol).

Question 34

What is Nelson’s syndrome?

Answer 34

Pituitary tumor enlargement following bilateral adrenalectomy for Cushing’s disease.

Question 35

What is Kallmann syndrome?

Answer 35

Congenital GnRH deficiency leading to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia.

Question 36

What is the function of FSH and LH?

Answer 36

FSH stimulates follicular development and spermatogenesis; LH triggers ovulation and testosterone production.

Question 37

What is the effect of hypopituitarism on cortisol levels?

Answer 37

Low cortisol due to decreased ACTH production.

Question 38

What is the first-line treatment for GH deficiency?

Answer 38

Recombinant human growth hormone therapy.

Question 39

What is pituitary apoplexy?

Answer 39

Sudden hemorrhage or infarction of the pituitary gland, often in a pre-existing adenoma.

Question 40

What are the symptoms of pituitary apoplexy?

Answer 40

Severe headache, visual disturbances, and hormonal deficiencies.

Question 41

What is Laron syndrome?

Answer 41

GH receptor insensitivity leading to short stature despite high GH levels.

Question 42

What is the first-line treatment for Cushing’s disease?

Answer 42

Transsphenoidal surgery to remove the pituitary adenoma.

Question 43

What are the primary effects of ADH on the kidneys?

Answer 43

Increases water reabsorption in the collecting ducts to concentrate urine.

Question 44

What is the common cause of pituitary dwarfism?

Answer 44

GH deficiency in childhood.

Question 45

What test confirms ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome?

Answer 45

High-dose dexamethasone suppression test.

Question 46

What imaging is used for pituitary tumors?

Answer 46

MRI with contrast.

Question 47

What is the most common symptom of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma?

Answer 47

Bitemporal hemianopia due to optic chiasm compression.

Question 48

What is a craniopharyngioma?

Answer 48

A benign tumor affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary region, often seen in children.

Question 49

What condition is associated with optic nerve compression and hormonal dysfunction?

Answer 49

Pituitary macroadenoma.

Question 50

What is the role of TRH in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

Answer 50

Stimulates the release of TSH and prolactin from the anterior pituitary.

Question 51

What is the effect of pituitary stalk compression on prolactin levels?

Answer 51

Increased prolactin due to loss of dopamine inhibition.

Question 52

What is the function of the median eminence of the hypothalamus?

Answer 52

Site where hypothalamic hormones are released into the portal circulation.

Question 53

What is the major cause of secondary adrenal insufficiency?

Answer 53

Prolonged corticosteroid use leading to HPA axis suppression.

Question 54

What is the major regulator of aldosterone secretion?

Answer 54

Renin-angiotensin system.

Question 55

What is the primary treatment for pituitary tumors?

Answer 55

Transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapy, or radiation.