Gastrointestinal system: swallowing: 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 system: swallowing

Sample item

During a meal a swallowed bolus lodges in the mid-oesophagus and a peristaltic wave starts at the site without a new swallow. Which process does this represent?

AA mass movement of the colonBPrimary peristalsis, initiated by the pharyngeal swallowCSecondary peristalsis, triggered by oesophageal distension via vagal and enteric reflexesDReceptive relaxation of the stomach

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Secondary peristalsis, triggered by oesophageal distension via vagal and enteric reflexes

Primary peristalsis follows the pharyngeal stage of a swallow. When a bolus remains, local distension activates stretch receptors and reflex pathways through the vagus and myenteric plexus to produce secondary peristalsis, which clears the lumen. The lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes ahead of the wave.

Option by option

A. A mass movement of the colon
Mass movements are colonic and do not occur in the oesophagus.
B. Primary peristalsis, initiated by the pharyngeal swallow
Primary peristalsis needs a swallow to start it.
C. Secondary peristalsis, triggered by oesophageal distension via vagal and enteric reflexes (correct)
Correct. Distension-triggered peristalsis without a swallow is secondary peristalsis.
D. Receptive relaxation of the stomach
Receptive relaxation concerns the stomach fundus and not the oesophagus.

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 C, Secondary peristalsis, triggered by oesophageal distension via vagal and enteric reflexes. Primary peristalsis follows the pharyngeal stage of a swallow.

Why is "A mass movement of the colon" not the answer?

Mass movements are colonic and do not occur in the oesophagus.

Why is "Primary peristalsis, initiated by the pharyngeal swallow" not the answer?

Primary peristalsis needs a swallow to start it.

Why is "Receptive relaxation of the stomach" not the answer?

Receptive relaxation concerns the stomach fundus and not the oesophagus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal system: swallowing in Physiology. When a bolus remains, local distension activates stretch receptors and reflex pathways through the vagus and myenteric plexus to produce secondary peristalsis, which clears the lumen. The lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes ahead of the wave.

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 system: swallowing?

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.