A 14-year-old boy is brought to the physician by his mother. She is concerned because although tall, her son looks much younger than his peers and shows no signs of "masculinity." On physical examination, the boy has poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics. He is unable to distinguish smells but has good visual acuity. Which of the following pathways is most likely defective in this patient?

Question

A 14-year-old boy is brought to the physician by his mother.  She is concerned because although tall, her son looks much younger than his peers and shows no signs of "masculinity."  On physical examination, the boy has poorly developed secondary sexual characteristics.  He is unable to distinguish smells but has good visual acuity.  Which of the following pathways is most likely defective in this patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The lack of GnRH secretory neurons in the hypothalamus in Kallmann syndrome is caused by faulty migration from the olfactory placode. These people have central hypogonadism and anosmia, and they frequently have delayed puberty.

A 14-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Physician by His