Respiratory 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 · Respiratory physiology

Sample item

What muscle is the main driver of quiet inspiration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Diaphragm

The diaphragm contracts and descends during quiet inspiration, enlarging the thoracic cavity and creating negative intrathoracic pressure that draws air in.

Option by option

  • A. Internal intercostals

    Internal intercostals mainly assist forced expiration.

  • B. Diaphragm (correct)

    Correct: diaphragm is the primary muscle of quiet inspiration.

  • C. Sternocleidomastoid only

    Sternocleidomastoid is an accessory inspiratory muscle in increased demand.

  • D. Rectus abdominis

    Rectus abdominis assists forced expiration rather than quiet inspiration.

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.

More Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Diaphragm. The diaphragm contracts and descends during quiet inspiration, enlarging the thoracic cavity and creating negative intrathoracic pressure that draws air in.

Why is "Internal intercostals" not the answer?

Internal intercostals mainly assist forced expiration.

Why is "Sternocleidomastoid only" not the answer?

Sternocleidomastoid is an accessory inspiratory muscle in increased demand.

Why is "Rectus abdominis" not the answer?

Rectus abdominis assists forced expiration rather than quiet inspiration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: diaphragm is the primary muscle of quiet inspiration.

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 Respiratory 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.