Renal 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 · Renal physiology

Sample item

Which nephron segment is largely impermeable to water while reabsorbing sodium chloride?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Thick ascending limb of loop of Henle

The thick ascending limb actively reabsorbs sodium chloride while remaining water-impermeable, helping create the medullary concentration gradient.

Option by option

  • A. Proximal convoluted tubule

    Proximal tubule reabsorbs solute and water together.

  • B. Collecting duct with ADH present

    ADH makes collecting ducts more water-permeable.

  • C. Thin descending limb

    Thin descending limb is relatively water-permeable.

  • D. Thick ascending limb of loop of Henle (correct)

    Correct: salt transport without water dilutes tubular fluid.

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, Thick ascending limb of loop of Henle. The thick ascending limb actively reabsorbs sodium chloride while remaining water-impermeable, helping create the medullary concentration gradient.

Why is "Proximal convoluted tubule" not the answer?

Proximal tubule reabsorbs solute and water together.

Why is "Collecting duct with ADH present" not the answer?

ADH makes collecting ducts more water-permeable.

Why is "Thin descending limb" not the answer?

Thin descending limb is relatively water-permeable.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: salt transport without water dilutes tubular fluid.

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 Renal 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.