A genetic disorder present at birth affecting respiratory and digestive systems.

A genetic disorder present at birth affecting respiratory and digestive systems.

• A. Diabetes Mellitus
• B. Muscular Dystrophy
• C. Cystic Fibrosis
• D. Hepatitis

Answer: (C)

Genetic disorders that affect multiple body systems from birth often point to conditions that involve abnormal mucus or secretions. Cystic fibrosis fits this pattern because it results from mutations in the CFTR gene, which makes mucus abnormally thick. In the lungs, this thick mucus narrows airways and traps bacteria, leading to persistent respiratory problems. In the digestive system, the mucus can block pancreatic ducts, reducing enzyme flow to the intestines and causing poor digestion and malabsorption. This combination of early-onset respiratory and digestive symptoms is characteristic of cystic fibrosis, making it the correct choice. Other options describe conditions that don’t typically involve both systems from birth in this way (diabetes mellitus is an endocrine/metabolic disease; muscular dystrophy affects muscles; hepatitis involves the liver).

Genetic disorders that affect multiple body systems from birth often point to conditions that involve abnormal mucus or secretions. Cystic fibrosis fits this pattern because it results from mutations in the CFTR gene, which makes mucus abnormally thick. In the lungs, this thick mucus narrows airways and traps bacteria, leading to persistent respiratory problems. In the digestive system, the mucus can block pancreatic ducts, reducing enzyme flow to the intestines and causing poor digestion and malabsorption. This combination of early-onset respiratory and digestive symptoms is characteristic of cystic fibrosis, making it the correct choice. Other options describe conditions that don’t typically involve both systems from birth in this way (diabetes mellitus is an endocrine/metabolic disease; muscular dystrophy affects muscles; hepatitis involves the liver).