Reproduction: progesterone and smooth muscle: 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 · Reproduction: progesterone and smooth muscle

Sample item

A woman at 28 weeks has heartburn, constipation and mild ureteric dilatation on ultrasound. Which hormonal action contributes to these features?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Progesterone-induced relaxation of smooth muscle

High progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, lowering lower oesophageal sphincter tone, slowing gut transit and dilating the ureters. These effects explain reflux, constipation and physiological hydronephrosis in pregnancy.

Option by option

  • A. Human placental lactogen stimulation of motility

    Human placental lactogen affects metabolism and does not stimulate motility.

  • B. Oestrogen-induced vasoconstriction of the gut

    Oestrogen does not produce gut vasoconstriction as the cause of these features.

  • C. Oxytocin-induced contraction of smooth muscle

    Oxytocin contracts the uterus and would not slow the gut or dilate the ureter.

  • D. Progesterone-induced relaxation of smooth muscle (correct)

    Correct. Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle in the gut and ureters.

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 D, Progesterone-induced relaxation of smooth muscle. High progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, lowering lower oesophageal sphincter tone, slowing gut transit and dilating the ureters.

Why is "Human placental lactogen stimulation of motility" not the answer?

Human placental lactogen affects metabolism and does not stimulate motility.

Why is "Oestrogen-induced vasoconstriction of the gut" not the answer?

Oestrogen does not produce gut vasoconstriction as the cause of these features.

Why is "Oxytocin-induced contraction of smooth muscle" not the answer?

Oxytocin contracts the uterus and would not slow the gut or dilate the ureter.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: progesterone and smooth muscle in Physiology. These effects explain reflux, constipation and physiological hydronephrosis in pregnancy.

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 Reproduction: progesterone and smooth muscle?

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.