Muscle physiology: 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 · Muscle physiology

Sample item

What occurs during the latent period of a muscle twitch?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Excitation-contraction coupling begins

During the latent period, the action potential leads to calcium release and excitation-contraction coupling before measurable tension develops in the muscle.

Option by option

  • A. Full tetanus occurs

    Full tetanus requires repeated high-frequency stimulation.

  • B. Muscle is maximally relaxed

    The muscle is transitioning toward contraction, not simply maximally relaxed.

  • C. Excitation-contraction coupling begins (correct)

    Correct: excitation-contraction coupling precedes visible tension.

  • D. ATP is absent

    ATP remains essential for cross-bridge cycling and relaxation.

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 C, Excitation-contraction coupling begins. During the latent period, the action potential leads to calcium release and excitation-contraction coupling before measurable tension develops in the muscle.

Why is "Full tetanus occurs" not the answer?

Full tetanus requires repeated high-frequency stimulation.

Why is "Muscle is maximally relaxed" not the answer?

The muscle is transitioning toward contraction, not simply maximally relaxed.

Why is "ATP is absent" not the answer?

ATP remains essential for cross-bridge cycling and relaxation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Muscle physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: excitation-contraction coupling precedes visible tension.

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 Muscle physiology?

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.