Endocrine physiology: cortisol: 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.

Try it

Physiology · Endocrine physiology: cortisol

Sample item

Cortisol increases blood glucose during stress primarily by which hepatic effect?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Increasing gluconeogenesis

Cortisol induces enzymes of gluconeogenesis and promotes proteolysis and lipolysis to provide substrates. It also antagonises insulin's peripheral effects.

Option by option

  • A. Increasing insulin secretion

    Cortisol tends to impair insulin sensitivity rather than stimulate insulin as its primary action.

  • B. Increasing peripheral glucose uptake

    It reduces peripheral glucose uptake through insulin antagonism.

  • C. Blocking glycogen breakdown

    It supports, rather than blocks, fuel mobilisation.

  • D. Increasing gluconeogenesis (correct)

    Correct. Increased hepatic gluconeogenesis raises glucose availability.

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.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Increasing gluconeogenesis. Cortisol induces enzymes of gluconeogenesis and promotes proteolysis and lipolysis to provide substrates.

Why is "Increasing insulin secretion" not the answer?

Cortisol tends to impair insulin sensitivity rather than stimulate insulin as its primary action.

Why is "Increasing peripheral glucose uptake" not the answer?

It reduces peripheral glucose uptake through insulin antagonism.

Why is "Blocking glycogen breakdown" not the answer?

It supports, rather than blocks, fuel mobilisation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology: cortisol in Physiology. It also antagonises insulin's peripheral effects.

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: cortisol?

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.