Endocrine physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Endocrine physiology

Sample item

Which hormone promotes hepatic glycogen breakdown during fasting?

AInsulinBGlucagonCOxytocinDProlactin

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Glucagon

Glucagon raises blood glucose during fasting by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis while opposing insulin-driven storage pathways.

Option by option

A. Insulin
Insulin promotes glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake.
B. Glucagon (correct)
Correct: glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogen breakdown in fasting.
C. Oxytocin
Oxytocin mediates milk ejection and uterine contraction.
D. Prolactin
Prolactin stimulates milk production.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Glucagon. Glucagon raises blood glucose during fasting by stimulating hepatic glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis while opposing insulin-driven storage pathways.

Why is "Insulin" not the answer?

Insulin promotes glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake.

Why is "Oxytocin" not the answer?

Oxytocin mediates milk ejection and uterine contraction.

Why is "Prolactin" not the answer?

Prolactin stimulates milk production.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: glucagon stimulates hepatic glycogen breakdown in fasting.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrine physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.