WBR0337
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| Author | [[PageAuthor::Yazan Daaboul, M.D. (Reviewed by Yazan Daaboul, M.D. and Alison Leibowitz [1])]] |
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| Exam Type | USMLE Step 1 |
| Main Category | Physiology |
| Sub Category | Genitourinary |
| Prompt | During development, in-utero testosterone secretion by the testes act directly on the Wolffian ducts and play an important role in the differentiation of external and internal male organs. Similarly, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen derived from testosterone by the action of 5-alpha-reductase, is also involved in the differentiation of male organs. Which of the following processes is a function of DHT? |
| Answer A | Differentiation of the epididymis |
| Answer A Explanation | Differentiation of the epididymis is a function of testosterone. |
| Answer B | Differentiation of the vas deferens |
| Answer B Explanation | Differentiation of the vas deferens is a function of testosterone. |
| Answer C | Closure of the epiphyseal plate |
| Answer C Explanation | Closure of the epiphyseal plate of bone is a function of testosterone. |
| Answer D | Differentiation of the prostate gland |
| Answer D Explanation | Differentiation of the prostate gland is a function of DHT. |
| Answer E | Pubertal voice deepening |
| Answer E Explanation | Pubertal voice deepening is a function of testosterone. |
| Right Answer | D |
| Explanation | [[Explanation::In males, testosterone is involved in the differentiation of internal genitalia (excluding the prostate), voice deepening, and closure of the epiphyseal plates of bones. The action of testosterone also includes the growth spurt at puberty, which includes the pubertal growth of the penis, seminal vesicles, and production of sperm. On the other hand, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is involved early in the differentiation of the external genitalia (penis and scrotum) and the prostate. Later in life, DHT is involved in the growth of the prostate, male-pattern balding, and the activity of sebaceous glands.
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| Approved | Yes |
| Keyword | Differentiation, sex organs, testosterone, DHT, dihydrotestosterone, epididymis, vas deferens, genitals, genitalia, puberty, pubertal, penis, sperm, sebaceous, hormone, hormones |
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