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

What is the major physiological action of parathyroid hormone?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Raise serum calcium

Parathyroid hormone raises plasma calcium through bone resorption, renal calcium reabsorption, and stimulation of active vitamin D formation.

Option by option

  • A. Lower serum calcium

    Calcitonin lowers calcium modestly.

  • B. Raise serum calcium (correct)

    Correct: PTH is calcium-raising hormone.

  • C. Lower blood glucose

    Insulin lowers glucose.

  • D. Increase thyroid hormone release

    TSH stimulates thyroid hormone release.

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 B, Raise serum calcium. Parathyroid hormone raises plasma calcium through bone resorption, renal calcium reabsorption, and stimulation of active vitamin D formation.

Why is "Lower serum calcium" not the answer?

Calcitonin lowers calcium modestly.

Why is "Lower blood glucose" not the answer?

Insulin lowers glucose.

Why is "Increase thyroid hormone release" not the answer?

TSH stimulates thyroid hormone release.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: PTH is calcium-raising hormone.

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.