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

What is the main effect of parathyroid hormone on serum calcium?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Raises serum calcium

Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium through effects on bone, kidney, and vitamin D activation, while also increasing renal phosphate excretion.

Option by option

  • A. Lowers serum calcium

    Calcitonin tends to lower calcium rather than PTH.

  • B. Raises serum calcium (correct)

    Correct: parathyroid hormone increases serum calcium.

  • C. Stops bone turnover

    PTH influences bone turnover rather than stopping it.

  • D. Blocks vitamin D

    PTH promotes activation of vitamin D in kidney.

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.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Raises serum calcium. Parathyroid hormone raises serum calcium through effects on bone, kidney, and vitamin D activation, while also increasing renal phosphate excretion.

Why is "Lowers serum calcium" not the answer?

Calcitonin tends to lower calcium rather than PTH.

Why is "Stops bone turnover" not the answer?

PTH influences bone turnover rather than stopping it.

Why is "Blocks vitamin D" not the answer?

PTH promotes activation of vitamin D in kidney.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: parathyroid hormone increases serum calcium.

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.