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 pancreatic cell type secretes insulin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Beta cell

Beta cells within pancreatic islets secrete insulin in response to nutrient signals, lowering plasma glucose by promoting uptake and storage while reducing hepatic glucose output.

Option by option

  • A. Beta cell (correct)

    Correct: beta cells are the insulin-producing islet cells.

  • B. Acinar cell

    Acinar cells produce digestive enzymes rather than islet hormones.

  • C. Alpha cell

    Alpha cells secrete glucagon.

  • D. Delta cell

    Delta cells secrete somatostatin.

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, Beta cell. Beta cells within pancreatic islets secrete insulin in response to nutrient signals, lowering plasma glucose by promoting uptake and storage while reducing hepatic glucose output.

Why is "Acinar cell" not the answer?

Acinar cells produce digestive enzymes rather than islet hormones.

Why is "Alpha cell" not the answer?

Alpha cells secrete glucagon.

Why is "Delta cell" not the answer?

Delta cells secrete somatostatin.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: beta cells are the insulin-producing islet cells.

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.