9 USMLE Endocrine, Physiology and Anatomy Quick Review Questions with Answers (Set 1)

These 9 quick USMLE review questions test high-yield facts that show up again and again on the exam: prolactinoma, kidney disease and phosphate, calcitonin, vitamin D activation, fatty acid metabolism, referred shoulder pain, rotator cuff, tarsal tunnel and osteoporosis. 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. A middle-aged woman presents with trouble with vision, amenorrhea, and galactorrhea for 4 months. Examination reveals bitemporal hemianopsia. Which of the following tests is most likely beneficial to reach the correct diagnosis?

A- Serum glucose
B- Serum growth hormone
C- Serum prolactin
D- Serum TSH

C- Serum prolactin- This case is most likely a pituitary adenoma. The lab will reveal hyperprolactinemia. Imaging will show a large sellar mass.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 2. A patient presents with end-stage chronic renal disease. Which of the following substances is most likely increased in blood value in this patient?

A- Calcium
B- Erythropoietin
C- Hematocrit
D- Phosphate

D- Phosphate- Phosphate excretion is reduced in chronic renal failure leading to its accumulation in the blood which results in low blood calcium. Erythropoietin will decrease due to kidney failure to produce it and hematocrit will be reduced as a result of it.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 3. Calcitonin acts on which one of the following cell types to decrease serum calcium and bone resorbing activity?

A- Osteoblast
B- Osteoclast
C- Osteocyte
D- Osteon

B- Osteoclast- Calcitonin reduces the activity of osteoclasts by reduction of their surface ruffling. Osteoblast and osteocyte are bone-forming cells. Osteon is the chief structural unit of compact bone.
The correct answer is B

 

Question 4. 1-α-Hydroxylase activity is increased in which of the following conditions?

A- Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia
B- Hypoglycemia and ketonuria
C- Hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia
D- Hyperglycemia and acidosis

A- Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia- 1-α-Hydroxylase is located at the proximal tubule, skin, immune cells and bone. It catalyzes the hydroxylation of calcifediol into calcitriol which is the bioactive form of vitamin D.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 5. Increased concentration of malonyl-CoA most likely inhibits which one of the following biochemical processes?

A- Fatty acid oxidation
B- Fatty acid synthesis
C- Glycolysis
D- Oxidative phosphorylation

A- Fatty acid oxidation- The rate limiting step in the fatty acid oxidation is inhibited by increased concentration of malonyl-CoA.
The correct answer is A

 

Question 6. A patient presents with biliary colic for a week with pain in his right shoulder after eating a fatty meal. Examination reveals marked right upper quadrant tenderness with inspiration. Which one of the following nerves is responsible for his right shoulder pain?

A- Axillary nerve
B- Intercostal nerve
C- Phrenic nerve
D- Vagus nerve

C- Phrenic nerve- This is most likely a case of cholecystitis confirmed by positive Murphy’s sign. Inflammation of the gall bladder causes irritation of the4 diaphragmatic pleura which is innervated by the phrenic nerve. Nerve root of the phrenic nerve includes the right shoulder.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 7. Which one of the following muscles is responsible for internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder?

A- Infraspinatus
B- Pectoralis major
C- Subscapularis
D- Supraspinatus

C- Subscapularis- It is the only one on the list that is responsible for internal rotation of the arm at the shoulder. It is one of the rotator cuff muscles which are responsible for holding the head of the humerus in the glenoid fossa.
The correct answer is C

 

Question 8. Which one of the following nerves is affected in a patient diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome?

A- Common peroneal nerve
B- Deep fibular nerve
C- Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
D- Tibial nerve

D- Tibial nerve- Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by damage to the tibial nerve. It causes pain, numbness and/or tingling around ankle and sole of the foot.
The correct answer is D

 

Question 9. Primary osteoporosis generally occurs in which one of the following conditions?

A- Glucocorticoid use
B- Hyperthyroidism
C- Hypogonadism
D- Post-menopause

The correct answer is D. Post-menopause is the only condition on the list that is considered primary. Other conditions lead to secondary osteoporosis.

 

High-yield points from this set

  • Amenorrhea with galactorrhea: check prolactin.
  • Calcitonin inhibits osteoclasts.
  • Low calcium and phosphate stimulate 1-alpha-hydroxylase.
  • Gallbladder pain refers to the right shoulder through the phrenic nerve.

Keep practicing

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