Reproduction: testicular endocrine function: 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: testicular endocrine function

Sample item

A man has seminiferous tubule damage after mumps orchitis with intact Leydig cells. Which hormone profile is expected?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Raised FSH with normal LH and testosterone

Sertoli cells make inhibin B, which suppresses FSH. When tubules are damaged, inhibin B falls and FSH rises. Leydig cells keep testosterone and LH normal, so the profile shows isolated FSH elevation with oligo- or azoospermia.

Option by option

  • A. Raised LH with low testosterone

    A raised LH with low testosterone indicates Leydig cell failure.

  • B. Raised FSH with normal LH and testosterone (correct)

    Correct. Low inhibin B removes FSH suppression while Leydig function is preserved.

  • C. Raised prolactin with low LH

    Raised prolactin suppresses LH and is not the result of tubule damage.

  • D. Low FSH and low LH

    Low gonadotropins suggest hypothalamic or pituitary disease.

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, Raised FSH with normal LH and testosterone. Sertoli cells make inhibin B, which suppresses FSH.

Why is "Raised LH with low testosterone" not the answer?

A raised LH with low testosterone indicates Leydig cell failure.

Why is "Raised prolactin with low LH" not the answer?

Raised prolactin suppresses LH and is not the result of tubule damage.

Why is "Low FSH and low LH" not the answer?

Low gonadotropins suggest hypothalamic or pituitary disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Reproduction: testicular endocrine function in Physiology. When tubules are damaged, inhibin B falls and FSH rises. Leydig cells keep testosterone and LH normal, so the profile shows isolated FSH elevation with oligo- or azoospermia.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: testicular endocrine function?

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.