General physiology: heat acclimatisation: 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 · General physiology: heat acclimatisation

Sample item

After two weeks of working in a hot, humid factory, a worker begins sweating earlier and more profusely, but his sweat is much more dilute in sodium. Which hormone mediates the lower sweat sodium concentration?

AThyroxineBVasopressinCAtrial natriuretic peptideDAldosterone

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Aldosterone

In heat acclimatisation, rising aldosterone acts on the sweat duct to reabsorb sodium and chloride, so the sweat becomes dilute and less salt is lost. Sweat volume and onset also improve. This is a protective change that preserves body sodium during prolonged sweating.

Option by option

A. Thyroxine
Thyroxine raises heat production and does not control duct sodium reabsorption.
B. Vasopressin
Vasopressin conserves water through the kidney and does not govern sweat gland sodium handling.
C. Atrial natriuretic peptide
Atrial natriuretic peptide promotes sodium loss and would make sweat saltier, not more dilute.
D. Aldosterone (correct)
Correct. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption in the sweat duct.

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.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Aldosterone. In heat acclimatisation, rising aldosterone acts on the sweat duct to reabsorb sodium and chloride, so the sweat becomes dilute and less salt is lost.

Why is "Thyroxine" not the answer?

Thyroxine raises heat production and does not control duct sodium reabsorption.

Why is "Vasopressin" not the answer?

Vasopressin conserves water through the kidney and does not govern sweat gland sodium handling.

Why is "Atrial natriuretic peptide" not the answer?

Atrial natriuretic peptide promotes sodium loss and would make sweat saltier, not more dilute.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General physiology: heat acclimatisation in Physiology. Sweat volume and onset also improve. This is a protective change that preserves body sodium during prolonged sweating.

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 General physiology: heat acclimatisation?

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.