10 USMLE Endocrinology and Reproduction Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 1)

These 10 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: shoulder dystocia, uterine inversion, adrenal insufficiency testing, TSH control, primary amenorrhea, acromegaly, GnRH, DHT and the fallopian tube. Each question includes the correct answer.

Written by Dr. Ray Makar, MD, author of the Repeated USMLE Questions eBook series.

Prefer video? Watch daily USMLE case questions on MedFocus by Dr. Ray on YouTube.

How to use this page: read the question, pick your answer, then tap Show Answer and Explanation.

Questions

Question 1. Which one of the following conditions most likely occurs during normal delivery when the shoulders of the baby are impacted behind the maternal bony pelvis?

A- Frozen shoulder
B- Rotator cuff tear
C- Shoulder dystocia
D- Tendinitis

C- Shoulder dystocia- Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the maternal pubic bone during delivery. It is an obstetric emergency requiring specific maneuvers. Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tear, and tendinitis are unrelated orthopedic conditions.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 2. Which of the following placental sites of insertion most likely predisposes to an inverted uterus?

A- Anterior
B- Fundal
C- Lower
D- Posterior

B- Fundal- A fundal placental insertion increases the risk of uterine inversion, especially when excessive traction is applied to the umbilical cord during the third stage of labor. Placental attachment at other sites is far less likely to cause this complication.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 3. Which of the following laboratory tests is diagnostic for adrenal insufficiency?

A- ACTH stimulation test
B- CT scan of the adrenal gland
C- Serum ACTH
D- Serum cortisol

A- ACTH stimulation test- The ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test is the diagnostic test for adrenal insufficiency because it measures the adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol in response to ACTH. A single cortisol or ACTH level cannot reliably confirm the diagnosis, and imaging is not diagnostic.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 4. Which of the following controls the secretion of thyrotropin?

A- Concentration of iodine in the thyroid gland
B- Concentration of thyroid hormones in the blood
C- Concentration of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland
D- Concentration of thyrotropin in the pituitary gland

B- Concentration of thyroid hormone in the blood- Thyrotropin (TSH) secretion is controlled by negative feedback from circulating thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). When blood levels of T3/T4 rise, TSH secretion decreases; when they fall, TSH increases.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 5. Which of the following conditions is most likely to be presented with primary amenorrhea?

A- Pituitary adenoma
B- Pregnancy
C- Turner syndrome

C- Turner syndrome- Turner syndrome (45,XO) commonly presents with primary amenorrhea due to gonadal dysgenesis. Pregnancy and pituitary adenoma typically present with secondary amenorrhea rather than primary.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 6. Which one of the following tests is diagnostic for acromegaly?

A- Fasting blood glucose level
B- Serum cortisol level
C- Serum growth hormone level
D- Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)

D- Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)- IGF-1 is the best diagnostic test for acromegaly because it is persistently elevated and does not fluctuate during the day. Growth hormone levels vary widely and are not reliable for diagnosis.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 7. Which one of the following is the most effective treatment for adrenal insufficiency?

A- Adrenaline
B- Fludrocortisone
C- Prednisone
D- Prednisone and fludrocortisone

D- Prednisone and fludrocortisone- Primary adrenal insufficiency requires replacement of both hormones. One of them is not enough to be effective.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 8. Gonadotropin-releasing hormones are synthesized by which of the following nuclei of the hypothalamus?

A- Anterior nuclei
B- Arcuate nuclei
C- Dorsomedial nuclei
D- Ventromedial nuclei

B- Arcuate nuclei- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is synthesized in the arcuate nucleus (and preoptic area) of the hypothalamus before being released into the hypophyseal portal system to stimulate LH and FSH secretion
The correct answer is B

 

Question 9. Which of the following substances is responsible for growth of the prostate at puberty?

A- Dihydrotestosterone
B- Estrogen
C- Progesterone
D- Testosterone

A- Dihydrotestosterone- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), formed from testosterone by 5-alpha reductase, is the key androgen responsible for prostate growth at puberty as well as development of male external genitalia.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 10. Which one of the following parts of the fallopian tube is the widest and the most common site for fertilization?

A- Ampulla
B- Infundibulum
C- Isthmus

A- Ampulla- The ampulla is the widest portion of the fallopian tube and is the most common site of fertilization. The infundibulum and isthmus are narrower and less commonly involved in fertilization.
The correct answer is A

 

High-yield points from this set

  • The ACTH (cosyntropin) stimulation test diagnoses adrenal insufficiency.
  • IGF-1 is the screening test for acromegaly.
  • Primary adrenal insufficiency needs both a glucocorticoid and fludrocortisone.
  • The ampulla is the usual site of fertilization and ectopic pregnancy.

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