Endocrine physiology: cortisol: 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: cortisol

Sample item

Which effect is characteristic of cortisol?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Increased gluconeogenesis and permissive support of vascular catecholamine response

Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis, protein catabolism, and lipolysis, and has permissive effects on catecholamine-mediated vascular tone. Excess causes hyperglycemia and muscle wasting.

Option by option

  • A. Direct stimulation of insulin secretion only

    Insulin secretion is not its defining direct action.

  • B. Increased gluconeogenesis and permissive support of vascular catecholamine response (correct)

    Correct. These are key metabolic and cardiovascular cortisol effects.

  • C. Reduced hepatic glucose output

    Cortisol increases rather than decreases hepatic glucose production.

  • D. Suppressed lipolysis in all tissues

    It promotes lipolysis in relevant tissues.

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, Increased gluconeogenesis and permissive support of vascular catecholamine response. Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis, protein catabolism, and lipolysis, and has permissive effects on catecholamine-mediated vascular tone.

Why is "Direct stimulation of insulin secretion only" not the answer?

Insulin secretion is not its defining direct action.

Why is "Reduced hepatic glucose output" not the answer?

Cortisol increases rather than decreases hepatic glucose production.

Why is "Suppressed lipolysis in all tissues" not the answer?

It promotes lipolysis in relevant tissues.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine physiology: cortisol in Physiology. Excess causes hyperglycemia and muscle wasting.

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: cortisol?

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.