Gastrointestinal: hepatic glucose output: 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: hepatic glucose output

Sample item

A patient with fulminant hepatic failure has recurrent hypoglycaemia despite adequate food intake. Which hepatic functions fail?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis

The liver maintains fasting glucose through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. In extensive hepatocellular failure both are lost and hypoglycaemia occurs, often with a failure to clear insulin as well.

Option by option

  • A. Insulin secretion

    Insulin is secreted by the pancreas, not the liver.

  • B. Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis (correct)

    Correct. Loss of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis leaves no source of fasting glucose.

  • C. Intestinal glucose absorption

    Intestinal absorption is not primarily affected in liver failure.

  • D. Glucagon synthesis

    Glucagon is secreted by pancreatic alpha cells.

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, Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The liver maintains fasting glucose through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Why is "Insulin secretion" not the answer?

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas, not the liver.

Why is "Intestinal glucose absorption" not the answer?

Intestinal absorption is not primarily affected in liver failure.

Why is "Glucagon synthesis" not the answer?

Glucagon is secreted by pancreatic alpha cells.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal: hepatic glucose output in Physiology. In extensive hepatocellular failure both are lost and hypoglycaemia occurs, often with a failure to clear insulin as well.

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: hepatic glucose output?

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.