Gastrointestinal: Brunner's glands: 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 · Gastrointestinal: Brunner's glands

Sample item

Which structures in the duodenal submucosa secrete a viscous alkaline mucus to protect the duodenal mucosa from acid chyme, and are stimulated by vagal activity and secretin?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Brunner's glands

Brunner's glands are confined to the duodenum and secrete alkaline, bicarbonate-rich mucus that neutralises acid arriving from the stomach. Their secretion is increased by vagal stimulation and secretin and inhibited by sympathetic stimulation. The crypts secrete an isotonic fluid and Paneth cells secrete antimicrobial peptides.

Option by option

  • A. Peyer's patches

    Peyer's patches are lymphoid aggregates and are not secretory glands.

  • B. Brunner's glands (correct)

    Correct. Brunner's glands give the alkaline mucus that protects the duodenum.

  • C. Paneth cells

    Paneth cells secrete defensins and lysozyme and do not produce the protective mucus.

  • D. Crypts of Lieberkuhn

    Crypts of Lieberkuhn secrete fluid and electrolytes and are present throughout the small bowel.

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, Brunner's glands. Brunner's glands are confined to the duodenum and secrete alkaline, bicarbonate-rich mucus that neutralises acid arriving from the stomach.

Why is "Peyer's patches" not the answer?

Peyer's patches are lymphoid aggregates and are not secretory glands.

Why is "Paneth cells" not the answer?

Paneth cells secrete defensins and lysozyme and do not produce the protective mucus.

Why is "Crypts of Lieberkuhn" not the answer?

Crypts of Lieberkuhn secrete fluid and electrolytes and are present throughout the small bowel.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal: Brunner's glands in Physiology. Their secretion is increased by vagal stimulation and secretin and inhibited by sympathetic stimulation. The crypts secrete an isotonic fluid and Paneth cells secrete antimicrobial peptides.

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 Gastrointestinal: Brunner's glands?

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.