Gastrointestinal physiology: gastric acid: 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 · Gastrointestinal physiology: gastric acid

Sample item

Which signal directly stimulates parietal cells to secrete hydrochloric acid through H2 receptors?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Histamine

Enterochromaffin-like cells release histamine, which activates H2 receptors on parietal cells. Gastrin and vagal acetylcholine also stimulate acid secretion, whereas somatostatin inhibits it.

Option by option

  • A. Histamine (correct)

    Correct. Histamine is the H2-receptor agonist on parietal cells.

  • B. Secretin

    Secretin reduces gastric acid secretion and stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate.

  • C. Somatostatin

    Somatostatin inhibits gastrin and acid secretion.

  • D. Cholecystokinin

    CCK stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and gallbladder contraction.

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, Histamine. Enterochromaffin-like cells release histamine, which activates H2 receptors on parietal cells.

Why is "Secretin" not the answer?

Secretin reduces gastric acid secretion and stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate.

Why is "Somatostatin" not the answer?

Somatostatin inhibits gastrin and acid secretion.

Why is "Cholecystokinin" not the answer?

CCK stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion and gallbladder contraction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal physiology: gastric acid in Physiology. Gastrin and vagal acetylcholine also stimulate acid secretion, whereas somatostatin inhibits it.

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 Gastrointestinal physiology: gastric acid?

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.