Pattern 1: Posterior Pituitary Synthesis Site (NEET 2019, 2021, 2023)

Question stem type: "ADH and oxytocin are synthesised in the ____" Correct answer: Hypothalamus (specifically supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) Trap option: Posterior pituitary (where they are stored and released) Why asked repeatedly: This is a direct factual test of understanding structure vs function. The posterior pituitary stores but does not synthesise. Score the point by remembering: "The posterior pituitary is a storage locker, not a factory."

Pattern 2: Acromegaly vs Gigantism (NEET 2018, 2022)

Question stem type: Symptoms of enlarged extremities in an adult → diagnosis? Correct answer: Acromegaly (not gigantism) Trap: Students know GH excess causes tallness → select gigantism Key discriminator: Age + growth plate status. Adult = fused plates = no height increase = acromegaly. Score the point by remembering: "Children grow tall (gigantism); adults grow wide (acromegaly)."

Pattern 3: Calcium Regulation Antagonists (NEET 2020, 2024)

Question stem type: "Which hormone RAISES blood calcium?" or "What is the antagonistic pair for calcium?" Correct answer: PTH raises; calcitonin lowers. Pair = PTH + calcitonin. Traps: (a) Reversing sources — calcitonin is from THYROID (not parathyroid); PTH is from PARATHYROID. (b) Reversing effects — "calcitonin" sounds like it raises calcium. Score the point by remembering: "Calcitonin tones calcium DOWN; PTH Takes calcium UP."

Pattern 4: Antagonistic Hormone Pairs (Recurrent)

How to use PYQ analysis:

• Questions on these 3 patterns appear every 1–2 years and carry guaranteed marks.
• Even if the exact stem varies, the underlying concept is identical.
• Practice recognising the concept, not just memorising specific questions.