Renal physiology: acid-base: 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: acid-base

Sample item

Which nephron cell type secretes hydrogen ions and generates new bicarbonate during chronic metabolic acidosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Alpha intercalated cell

Alpha intercalated cells secrete H+ via H+-ATPase and H+/K+-ATPase and return bicarbonate to blood. Beta intercalated cells secrete bicarbonate during alkalosis.

Option by option

  • A. Principal cell

    Principal cells regulate sodium, potassium and water handling.

  • B. Macula densa cell

    Macula densa cells sense tubular NaCl.

  • C. Alpha intercalated cell (correct)

    Correct. Alpha intercalated cells are specialised for acid secretion.

  • D. Beta intercalated cell

    Beta intercalated cells promote bicarbonate secretion.

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, Alpha intercalated cell. Alpha intercalated cells secrete H+ via H+-ATPase and H+/K+-ATPase and return bicarbonate to blood.

Why is "Principal cell" not the answer?

Principal cells regulate sodium, potassium and water handling.

Why is "Macula densa cell" not the answer?

Macula densa cells sense tubular NaCl.

Why is "Beta intercalated cell" not the answer?

Beta intercalated cells promote bicarbonate secretion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Renal physiology: acid-base in Physiology. Beta intercalated cells secrete bicarbonate during alkalosis.

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: acid-base?

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.