Endocrinology: oestrogen and epiphyseal closure: 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 · Endocrinology: oestrogen and epiphyseal closure

Sample item

In both boys and girls, the pubertal growth spurt ends when the epiphyses fuse. Which hormone is chiefly responsible for epiphyseal closure?

AOestrogenBThyroxineCGrowth hormoneDCortisol

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Oestrogen

Oestrogen, derived in boys by aromatisation of testosterone, accelerates skeletal maturation and causes fusion of the epiphyseal plates. Men with aromatase deficiency or oestrogen receptor defects continue to grow into adulthood. Growth hormone drives growth but does not itself close the epiphyses.

Option by option

A. Oestrogen (correct)
Correct. Oestrogen causes epiphyseal fusion in both sexes.
B. Thyroxine
Thyroxine is needed for growth and skeletal maturation but does not cause the fusion at puberty.
C. Growth hormone
Growth hormone promotes linear growth, and excess before fusion produces gigantism.
D. Cortisol
Cortisol in excess retards growth and does not close the epiphyses.

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 A, Oestrogen. Oestrogen, derived in boys by aromatisation of testosterone, accelerates skeletal maturation and causes fusion of the epiphyseal plates.

Why is "Thyroxine" not the answer?

Thyroxine is needed for growth and skeletal maturation but does not cause the fusion at puberty.

Why is "Growth hormone" not the answer?

Growth hormone promotes linear growth, and excess before fusion produces gigantism.

Why is "Cortisol" not the answer?

Cortisol in excess retards growth and does not close the epiphyses.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: oestrogen and epiphyseal closure in Physiology. Men with aromatase deficiency or oestrogen receptor defects continue to grow into adulthood. Growth hormone drives growth but does not itself close the epiphyses.

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 Endocrinology: oestrogen and epiphyseal closure?

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.