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 endocrine feedback pattern is typical of primary adrenal failure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Low cortisol with elevated ACTH

When adrenal cortisol production fails, reduced negative feedback causes pituitary ACTH to rise, producing the classic primary adrenal insufficiency pattern.

Option by option

  • A. Low cortisol with elevated ACTH (correct)

    Correct: low cortisol removes feedback inhibition on ACTH.

  • B. High cortisol with low ACTH from pituitary tumour

    Pituitary ACTH excess would raise cortisol if adrenals respond.

  • C. High aldosterone with low renin only

    Aldosterone and renin pattern does not define cortisol failure.

  • D. Low insulin with low glucagon

    Insulin and glucagon are pancreatic hormones.

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, Low cortisol with elevated ACTH. When adrenal cortisol production fails, reduced negative feedback causes pituitary ACTH to rise, producing the classic primary adrenal insufficiency pattern.

Why is "High cortisol with low ACTH from pituitary tumour" not the answer?

Pituitary ACTH excess would raise cortisol if adrenals respond.

Why is "High aldosterone with low renin only" not the answer?

Aldosterone and renin pattern does not define cortisol failure.

Why is "Low insulin with low glucagon" not the answer?

Insulin and glucagon are pancreatic hormones.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: low cortisol removes feedback inhibition on ACTH.

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.