Endocrine: pituitary stalk section: 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: pituitary stalk section

Sample item

After a road traffic accident, a man's pituitary stalk is transected. Which hormone level will rise?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Prolactin

Anterior pituitary secretion of most hormones depends on hypothalamic releasing hormones carried by the portal vessels. Prolactin is under tonic inhibition by dopamine, so its level rises when the stalk is cut, while TSH, GH, ACTH and gonadotropins fall.

Option by option

  • A. Growth hormone

    GH depends mainly on GHRH and falls.

  • B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone

    TSH needs TRH stimulation and falls after stalk section.

  • C. Prolactin (correct)

    Correct. Loss of dopaminergic inhibition raises prolactin.

  • D. Adrenocorticotropic hormone

    ACTH needs CRH and falls.

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, Prolactin. Anterior pituitary secretion of most hormones depends on hypothalamic releasing hormones carried by the portal vessels.

Why is "Growth hormone" not the answer?

GH depends mainly on GHRH and falls.

Why is "Thyroid-stimulating hormone" not the answer?

TSH needs TRH stimulation and falls after stalk section.

Why is "Adrenocorticotropic hormone" not the answer?

ACTH needs CRH and falls.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrine: pituitary stalk section in Physiology. Prolactin is under tonic inhibition by dopamine, so its level rises when the stalk is cut, while TSH, GH, ACTH and gonadotropins fall.

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: pituitary stalk section?

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.