Which of the following would MOST likely be exhibited in an individual with long-term Cushing syndrome?Question 23Select one:a.Atrophy of the pituitary glandb.Reduced serum cortisol levels.c.Hyperplasia of the adrenal glands.d.Hyperactivity and excessive energye.Cancer of the hypothalamus

The answer is c. Hyperplasia of the adrenal glands.

Cushing syndrome is a condition that occurs from exposure to high cortisol levels for a long time. The most common cause of Cushing syndrome, accounting for about 70% of cases, is taking glucocorticoid drugs, such as prednisone, in high doses over a long period of time. Other common causes include a tumor in the pituitary gland (which often secretes ACTH, causing the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol), a tumor in the adrenal gland itself, or a tumor elsewhere in the body that secretes ACTH (this is known as ectopic Cushing syndrome).

Long-term exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to a number of health problems. One of these is hyperplasia of the adrenal glands. This means that the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing cortisol, become enlarged. This can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Cushing syndrome.

The other options are not typically associated with Cushing syndrome. Atrophy of the pituitary gland and reduced serum cortisol levels are not usually seen in Cushing syndrome. Hyperactivity and excessive energy can be symptoms of other conditions, but they are not typically seen in Cushing syndrome. Finally, while a tumor in the pituitary gland can cause Cushing syndrome, it is not typically associated with cancer of the hypothalamus.