Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling law: 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.

Try it

Physiology · Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling law

Sample item

An increase in venous return raises stroke volume in an isolated healthy heart without changing contractility. Which principle explains this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Frank-Starling mechanism

Greater end-diastolic filling stretches myocardial fibres and increases force of contraction within physiologic limits. This intrinsic relationship matches output to venous return.

Option by option

  • A. Bowditch effect

    Bowditch effect is force-frequency enhancement.

  • B. Anrep effect

    Anrep effect is a delayed increase in contractility after increased afterload.

  • C. Frank-Starling mechanism (correct)

    Correct. Frank-Starling relates preload to stroke volume.

  • D. Baroreceptor reflex

    Baroreflex requires intact autonomic pathways and is not intrinsic to an isolated heart.

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 C, Frank-Starling mechanism. Greater end-diastolic filling stretches myocardial fibres and increases force of contraction within physiologic limits.

Why is "Bowditch effect" not the answer?

Bowditch effect is force-frequency enhancement.

Why is "Anrep effect" not the answer?

Anrep effect is a delayed increase in contractility after increased afterload.

Why is "Baroreceptor reflex" not the answer?

Baroreflex requires intact autonomic pathways and is not intrinsic to an isolated heart.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling law in Physiology. This intrinsic relationship matches output to venous return.

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 Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling law?

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.