Renal 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 · Renal physiology

Sample item

What is the principal renal effect of antidiuretic hormone?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Increase water reabsorption in collecting ducts

Antidiuretic hormone inserts aquaporin-2 water channels in collecting-duct principal cells, increasing water reabsorption and concentrating urine when plasma osmolality is high or effective circulating volume is low.

Option by option

  • A. Increase water reabsorption in collecting ducts (correct)

    Correct: ADH increases collecting-duct water permeability and reabsorption.

  • B. Block sodium reabsorption everywhere

    ADH does not block sodium reabsorption throughout the nephron.

  • C. Increase glucose excretion

    Glucose excretion is not ADH's primary effect.

  • D. Reduce medullary osmotic gradient

    ADH works with, rather than reduces, the medullary concentrating gradient.

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 A, Increase water reabsorption in collecting ducts. Antidiuretic hormone inserts aquaporin-2 water channels in collecting-duct principal cells, increasing water reabsorption and concentrating urine when plasma osmolality is high or effective circulating volume is low.

Why is "Block sodium reabsorption everywhere" not the answer?

ADH does not block sodium reabsorption throughout the nephron.

Why is "Increase glucose excretion" not the answer?

Glucose excretion is not ADH's primary effect.

Why is "Reduce medullary osmotic gradient" not the answer?

ADH works with, rather than reduces, the medullary concentrating gradient.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: ADH increases collecting-duct water permeability and reabsorption.

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 Renal 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.