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Question #45439
The Question
A patient presents with chronic hypervolemia and pathological hypertension. Endocrinological profiling reveals abnormally elevated blood levels of Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF), Renin, and Aldosterone. Based on the antagonistic integration of renal and cardiac endocrine functions, which of the following defects best explains this paradoxical hormonal profile?
Options
- A.
A loss-of-function mutation in the ANF receptors located on the Juxtaglomerular (JG) cells.
- B.
An aldosterone-secreting adenoma in the adrenal cortex (Primary hyperaldosteronism).
- C.
A gain-of-function mutation in the hypothalamic osmoreceptors leading to excessive ADH secretion.
- D.
A structural defect causing the macula densa to falsely sense elevated tubular sodium chloride levels.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
ANF|JG_Cells|Negative_Feedback
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that 'ANF decreases BP' and 'RAAS increases BP' but fail to understand the hierarchical feedback loop where ANF directly suppresses JG cell activity.
The trap is Option B (Conn's syndrome); students associate high aldosterone and hypertension with adrenal tumors, forgetting that intact volume-sensing feedback would result in suppressed (low) Renin levels.
The simultaneous elevation of both ANF and Renin is the diagnostic pivot requiring a receptor-level defect.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Chemical Coordination and Integration - Class 11 |
| Concept | RAAS Mechanism |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |