Multiple Choice Questions on Gonadal Hormones (Sex Hormones)

Gonadal hormones:

Hormones that are primarily produced by the gonads, which are the reproductive organs. In males, the gonads are the testes and the main gonadal hormone is testosterone, which belongs to the class of hormones called androgens. Females have the ovaries as gonads and the primary gonadal hormones are estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play crucial roles in the development and functioning of the reproductive system, as well as in other aspects of overall health.

                  Multiple Choice Questions on Gonadal Hormones (Sex Hormones)

1. Which hormone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty?

a) Estrogen

b) Progesterone

c) Testosterone

d) Thyroxine

2. Which of the following is NOT a primary gonadal hormone?

a) Estrogen

b) Insulin

c) Progesterone

d) Testosterone

3. What is the primary function of estrogen in females?

a) Development of female secondary sexual characteristics

b) Maintenance of pregnancy

c) Regulation of cholesterol levels

d) Regulation of blood sugar levels

4. Which hormone is crucial for preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and its maintenance?

a) Adrenaline

b) Estrogen

c) Progesterone

d) Testosterone

5. Which gland plays a crucial role in regulating the production of sex hormones by the gonads?

a) Adrenal gland

b) Pancreas

c) Pituitary gland

d) Thyroid gland

6. Choose the correct answer, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by:

a) Decreased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH)

b) Excessive production of prolactin

c) Elevated levels of androgens

d) Elevated levels of estrogen

7. In males, where are the primary gonads located?

a) Ovaries

b) Fallopian tubes

c) Testes

d) Uterus

8. The complex system of interactions involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads is known as:

a) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis

b) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid axis

c) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis

d) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Pancreas axis

9. Which sex hormone is responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for possible pregnancy?

a) Estrogen

b) Melatonin

c) Progesterone

d) Testosterone

10. Which hormone is produced by the ovaries and is responsible for the release of an egg during ovulation?

a) Estrogen

b) Progesterone

c) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

d) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

11. In females, which hormone is responsible for the development of the milk-secreting glands in the breasts?

a) Estrogen

b) Progesterone

c) Prolactin

d) Insulin

12. What is Gynecomastia?

a) Enlarged ovaries in females

b) Enlarged breasts in males

c) Excessive body hair in females

d) Deepening of the voice in females

13. Which disorder involves an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels, leading to excessive hair growth and acne in females?

a) Hyperandrogenism

b) Hypogonadism

c) Klinefelter Syndrome

d) Turner Syndrome

14. Which hormone is produced by the ovaries and is responsible for the release of an egg during ovulation?

a) Estrogen

b) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

c) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

d) Progesterone

15. What is the primary characteristic of Turner Syndrome?

a) Enlarged ovaries

b) Excessive body hair in females

c) Male secondary sexual characteristics in females

d) Short stature and ovarian dysfunction 

Answers:

1. c) Testosterone

Testosterone is a male sex hormone, classified as an androgen, that is primarily produced by the testes. During puberty, the production of testosterone increases significantly, leading to the development of various secondary sexual characteristics in males. 

2. b) Insulin

 Insulin is not a primary gonadal hormone. It is produced by the pancreas and plays a central role in regulating blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. It is crucial for maintaining proper energy metabolism and preventing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

3. a) Development of female secondary sexual characteristics

During puberty, estrogen is responsible for developing female secondary sexual characteristics, including breast development, widening of hips, and changes in body fat distribution.

4. c) Progesterone

Progesterone is the hormone that is crucial for preparing the uterine lining for pregnancy and its maintenance. During the menstrual cycle, after ovulation has occurred, the empty ovarian follicle (corpus luteum) starts producing progesterone. Progesterone's main function is to prepare the uterine lining (endometrium) for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg (embryo). If fertilization occurs, the embryo needs a receptive environment in the uterus for implantation and early development.

5. c) Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," plays a crucial role in regulating the production of sex hormones by the gonads (testes in males and ovaries in females). Two important hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary are luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), collectively known as gonadotropins. These hormones play a direct role in regulating the production of sex hormones by the gonads.

6. d) Elevated levels of estrogen

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that primarily affects people with ovaries. It is characterized by several hormonal imbalances and physiological changes. One of the hallmark features of PCOS is elevated levels of androgens, which are male sex hormones that are normally present in females in lower amounts. These elevated androgen levels contribute to many of the symptoms and characteristics associated with PCOS.

7. c) Testes

8. a) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal axis

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis is a complex hormonal system that regulates the production and release of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, and controls reproductive processes in both males and females. This axis involves a feedback loop between the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the gonads (ovaries in females and testes in males). The HPG axis plays a crucial role in the regulation of puberty, menstrual cycles, and overall reproductive function.

9. b) Progesterone

10. c) Luteinizing hormone (LH)

The hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for the release of an egg during ovulation is called "luteinizing hormone" (LH). LH is a key hormone in the menstrual cycle, and its surge triggers the release of a mature egg from a follicle within the ovary, a process known as ovulation. This released egg can then potentially be fertilized by sperm if intercourse occurs around the time of ovulation.

11. a) Estrogen

The sex hormone responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining in preparation for possible pregnancy is "progesterone." Progesterone is primarily produced by the corpus luteum, a structure that forms in the ovary after ovulation. During the second half of the menstrual cycle, also known as the luteal phase, progesterone levels increase. This hormone helps to prepare the uterine lining (endometrium) to be a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant and develop if fertilization occurs. If pregnancy doesn't occur, progesterone levels drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.

12. b) Enlarged breasts in males

Gynecomastia is a medical term that refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It occurs when there is an imbalance in the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Although breast development is a natural process in females due to higher levels of estrogen, males also have small amounts of estrogen. When the ratio of estrogen to testosterone becomes imbalanced, it can lead to the development of gynecomastia.

13. a) Hyperandrogenism

Hyperandrogenism is the correct answer. It refers to a medical condition in which there is an excessive production or presence of androgens, which are male sex hormones including testosterone, in individuals who may be biologically female. 

14. cd) Luteinizing hormone

The hormone produced by the ovaries that is responsible for the release of an egg during ovulation is "luteinizing hormone" (LH). LH is a key hormone in the menstrual cycle, and its surge triggers the release of a mature egg from a follicle within the ovary, a process known as ovulation. This released egg can then potentially be fertilized by sperm if intercourse occurs around the time of ovulation.

15. d) Short stature and ovarian dysfunction 

The primary characteristic of Turner Syndrome is the presence of only one X chromosome in individuals who are biologically female. Normally, females have two X chromosomes (XX), but in Turner Syndrome, there is a complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. This genetic condition is also known as 45,X.

Short Stature: Girls with Turner Syndrome often have shorter stature compared to their peers due to growth hormone deficiency.

Ovarian Insufficiency: Many individuals with Turner Syndrome have underdeveloped or absent ovaries, which can lead to infertility and early menopause