Reproductive physiology: menstrual cycle: 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 · Reproductive physiology: menstrual cycle

Sample item

The mid-cycle LH surge is triggered when sustained high estradiol exerts what feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Positive feedback

Most of the cycle estradiol applies negative feedback, but sustained high concentrations late in the follicular phase switch to positive feedback, triggering the LH surge and ovulation.

Option by option

  • A. Negative feedback

    Negative feedback predominates at lower or usual estradiol concentrations.

  • B. Only paracrine inhibition

    The LH surge is an endocrine feedback event, not only local paracrine signalling.

  • C. Positive feedback (correct)

    Correct. High sustained estradiol triggers positive feedback before ovulation.

  • D. No feedback

    Ovarian steroids have strong hypothalamic-pituitary feedback effects.

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 C, Positive feedback. Most of the cycle estradiol applies negative feedback, but sustained high concentrations late in the follicular phase switch to positive feedback, triggering the LH surge and ovulation.

Why is "Negative feedback" not the answer?

Negative feedback predominates at lower or usual estradiol concentrations.

Why is "Only paracrine inhibition" not the answer?

The LH surge is an endocrine feedback event, not only local paracrine signalling.

Why is "No feedback" not the answer?

Ovarian steroids have strong hypothalamic-pituitary feedback effects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproductive physiology: menstrual cycle in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. High sustained estradiol triggers positive feedback before ovulation.

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 Reproductive physiology: menstrual cycle?

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.