NEET MDS 2026: MERITERS PREDICTIONS | Physiology - 10 MOST LIKELY Question Topics
The Philosophy
"Physiology is the study of life's logic. Don't just memorize the steps of a pathway; understand the 'why', how the body maintains homeostasis and compensates when systems fail."
A targeted breakdown of the highest priority topics based on recent question patterns and examiner logic.
1. Nerve Muscle Physiology (Action Potentials)
High PriorityCore Focus
- Resting Membrane Potential (RMP): Primarily determined by Potassium (K+) efflux leak channels
- Depolarization: Caused by rapid influx of Sodium (Na+) through voltage-gated channels
- Repolarization: Caused by efflux of Potassium (K+)
NEET MDS LOGIC
The foundational concept of neurophysiology. Local anesthetics work by blocking these exact voltage-gated Sodium channels, preventing depolarization. This makes it a guaranteed exam topic for dentists.
Framing: The rapid upstroke (depolarization) phase of a nerve action potential is primarily due to the influx of?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2025: Ion responsible for the resting membrane potential.
- NEET MDS 2023: Local anesthetics block nerve conduction by inhibiting.
- NEET MDS 2021: Phase of the action potential characterized by the opening of voltage-gated K+ channels.
- INI-CET 2020: The Nernst equation is used to calculate the.
2. Blood & Coagulation Cascade
Core Focus
- Extrinsic Pathway: Triggered by Tissue Factor (Factor III), measured by Prothrombin Time (PT)
- Intrinsic Pathway: Triggered by contact with collagen, measured by aPTT
- Vitamin K dependent factors: II, VII, IX, X (target of Warfarin)
NEET MDS LOGIC
Bleeding mechanisms are critical. Extrinsic is 'fast' and tests for Warfarin. Intrinsic is 'slow' and tests for Hemophilia. Both converge at Factor X to activate Thrombin.
Framing: "Which of the following laboratory tests is used to evaluate the Extrinsic pathway of coagulation?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2024: Coagulation factor NOT dependent on Vitamin K.
- NEET MDS 2022: The extrinsic pathway is initiated by the release of.
- NEET MDS 2020: Laboratory test elevated in Hemophilia A.
- AIIMS 2019: Calcium acts as which factor in the coagulation cascade?
3. Cardiovascular: Cardiac Cycle & Hemodynamics
Core Focus
- Frank-Starling Law: Stroke volume increases in response to an increase in End-Diastolic Volume (preload)
- Cardiac Output (CO) = Stroke Volume (SV) × Heart Rate (HR)
- Heart Sounds: S1 (Closure of AV valves), S2 (Closure of Semilunar valves)
NEET MDS LOGIC
Understand the mechanical flow. Preload is the stretch before contraction; Afterload is the resistance the heart must overcome (blood pressure).
Framing: "According to the Frank-Starling law of the heart, the stroke volume is directly proportional to the?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2025: The first heart sound (S1) is produced by the closure of.
- NEET MDS 2021: The volume of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute is the.
- NEET MDS 2019: In the ECG, the QRS complex represents.
- INI-CET 2021: The primary determinant of cardiac preload is.
4. Respiratory: Oxygen Transport & Curves
Core Focus
- Bohr Effect: Increased CO2 and decreased pH cause O2 to be released from Hb (Shift to the RIGHT)
- Haldane Effect: Oxygenation of blood in the lungs displaces CO2 from Hb
- Chloride Shift (Hamburger phenomenon): Exchange of Cl- for HCO3- across the RBC membrane
NEET MDS LOGIC
The Oxygen-Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve is heavily tested. 'CADET, face Right!' -> CO2, Acid, 2,3-DPG, Exercise, and Temperature shift the curve to the Right (decreased affinity, releasing O2 to tissues).
Framing: "A shift of the oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve to the right occurs in response to?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2024: The Bohr effect facilitates the delivery of oxygen to rapidly metabolizing tissues by.
- NEET MDS 2022: The phenomenon where chloride enters RBCs in exchange for bicarbonate is called.
- NEET MDS 2020: Most of the carbon dioxide in the blood is transported as.
- AIIMS 2018: Surfactant is produced by which cells in the alveoli?
5. Renal System & GFR Regulation
Core Focus
- Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT): Reabsorbs 65% of filtered water, Na+, and 100% of glucose
- Macula Densa: Senses NaCl concentration in the distal tubule to regulate GFR
- RAAS Mechanism: Renin converts Angiotensinogen to Angiotensin I, driving BP up
NEET MDS LOGIC
The kidney's role in blood pressure (via RAAS) and fluid balance is paramount. Know that the PCT is the 'workhorse' of the nephron doing bulk reabsorption.
Framing: "Which part of the nephron is responsible for the reabsorption of all filtered glucose and amino acids under normal conditions?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2023: The specialized cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus that act as chemoreceptors for NaCl are the
- NEET MDS 2021: Normal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in a healthy adult
- NEET MDS 2019: Site of action for Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) / Vasopressin
- INI-CET 2022: Renin is secreted by which cells?
6. Gastrointestinal Physiology
Core Focus
- Parietal (Oxyntic) cells: Secrete HCl and Intrinsic Factor (essential for B12 absorption)
- Chief (Zymogenic) cells: Secrete Pepsinogen
- Gastrin: Secreted by G-cells, stimulates gastric acid secretion
NEET MDS LOGIC
Cell-to-secretion matching is extremely common. The link between Parietal cells, Intrinsic Factor, and Pernicious Anemia is a classic medical crossover.
Framing: "Pernicious anemia results from a deficiency of intrinsic factor, which is normally secreted by which cells of the gastric mucosa?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2024: Cell type responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
- NEET MDS 2022: Hormone that stimulates the gallbladder to contract and release bile.
- NEET MDS 2020: The precursor enzyme pepsinogen is secreted by.
- AIIMS 2019: Absorption of Vitamin B12 primarily takes place in the.
7. Endocrinology: Calcium Homeostasis
Core Focus
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH): Increases blood Ca2+ (stimulates osteoclasts, increases renal reabsorption)
- Calcitonin: Decreases blood Ca2+ (inhibits osteoclasts), secreted by parafollicular C-cells
- Vitamin D (Calcitriol): Increases intestinal absorption of Ca2+ and Phosphate
NEET MDS LOGIC
Highly relevant to dentistry. You must know the tug-of-war between PTH (raises blood calcium) and Calcitonin (lowers blood calcium).
Framing: "Which hormone is released in response to hypocalcemia and acts to increase osteoclastic bone resorption?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2025: Hormone responsible for decreasing serum calcium levels.
- NEET MDS 2021: Primary action of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
- NEET MDS 2019: Latent tetany (Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs) is a clinical manifestation of.
- INI-CET 2020: PTH acts on the kidney to increase the reabsorption of calcium and increase the excretion of.
8. Endocrinology: Pituitary & Adrenal Glands
Core Focus
- Growth Hormone: Excess before puberty = Gigantism; Excess after puberty = Acromegaly
- Posterior Pituitary: Stores ADH (Vasopressin) and Oxytocin (synthesized in hypothalamus)
- Adrenal Cortex: Glomerulosa (Aldosterone), Fasciculata (Cortisol), Reticularis (Androgens)
NEET MDS LOGIC
Memorize 'GFR = Salt, Sugar, Sex' for the adrenal cortex layers. Acromegaly is heavily tested due to its prominent orofacial features (prognathism, spacing of teeth).
Framing: "Hypersecretion of growth hormone after the closure of the epiphyseal plates results in a condition known as?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2024: Condition characterized by mandibular prognathism and macroglossia due to excessive GH in an adult.
- NEET MDS 2022: Hormone regulating sodium and potassium balance secreted by the zona glomerulosa.
- NEET MDS 2020: Hormones released from the posterior pituitary gland.
- AIIMS 2018: Lack of Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) leads to.
9. Central Nervous System: Pain & Sensory Pathways
Core Focus
- Lateral Spinothalamic Tract: Carries pain and temperature sensation
- Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus: Carries fine touch, vibration, and proprioception
- Nerve Fibers: A-delta (Fast, sharp, myelinated pain), C-fibers (dull, gnawing unmyelinated pain)
NEET MDS LOGIC
Pain physiology is the cornerstone of dental practice. You must differentiate the sharp pain of reversible pulpitis (A-delta fibers) from the dull ache of irreversible pulpitis (C-fibers).
Framing: "Fast, sharp, and well-localized pain is primarily transmitted to the CNS by which type of nerve fibers?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2025: Ascending tract responsible for carrying pain and temperature.
- NEET MDS 2023: Slow, aching, and poorly localized dental pain is mediated by.
- NEET MDS 2021: Proprioception and vibration sense are carried by the.
- INI-CET 2019: The 'Gate Control Theory' of pain modulation primarily occurs at the level of the.
10. Synapses & Neurotransmitters
Core Focus
- Excitatory Neurotransmitters: Glutamate (most common in CNS), Acetylcholine (at NMJ)
- Inhibitory Neurotransmitters: GABA (Brain), Glycine (Spinal cord)
- Myasthenia Gravis (Autoantibodies against postsynaptic ACh receptors) vs Lambert-Eaton (Presynaptic Ca2+ channel defect)
NEET MDS LOGIC
Understand the mechanism of signal transmission. The distinction between Myasthenia Gravis (worsens with use) and Lambert-Eaton syndrome (improves with use) is a classic high-yield concept.
Framing: "Which of the following is the most prominent excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system?"
Past Question Patterns
- NEET MDS 2024: Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
- NEET MDS 2022: Pathophysiology of Myasthenia Gravis.
- NEET MDS 2020: The influx of which ion into the presynaptic terminal triggers exocytosis of neurotransmitters?.
- AIIMS 2018: Receptors found at the neuromuscular junction of skeletal muscles.
Topper Logic
Focus on the Feedback Loops and Curves. If you know what shifts the Oxygen Dissociation Curve, how the RAAS mechanism triggers, or which ion drives an action potential, you can answer almost any clinical scenario they throw at you.
Updated Apr 07, 2026.
