Question

A patient suffering from severe stress and anorexia has the following laboratory values, which are all low: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Which tissue is likely dysfunctional?

A. Adrenal cortex
B. Hypothalamus
C. Posterior pituitary
D. Anterior pituitary

Answer 1

A patient with low levels of GnRH, GHRH, and CRF likely has a dysfunction in the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the production of these hormones.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with low levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is likely suffering from dysfunction of the hypothalamus. These hormones are all produced by the hypothalamus to regulate the function of the anterior pituitary. Specifically, GnRH stimulates the release of gonadotropins, GHRH controls the release of growth hormone, and CRF influences the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary, which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex. A dysfunction in hypothalamic activity would lead to reductions in these hormones and the corresponding downstream effects in the endocrine system.