Cardiovascular 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 · Cardiovascular physiology

Sample item

Which factor most directly determines mean arterial pressure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance

Mean arterial pressure is approximately cardiac output multiplied by systemic vascular resistance, with arterial compliance also influencing pulsatile pressure.

Option by option

  • A. Respiratory rate and tidal volume

    Ventilation affects gas exchange.

  • B. Glomerular filtration and urine flow

    Renal output affects volume over time.

  • C. Haemoglobin and platelet count

    Blood counts do not directly set MAP.

  • D. Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance (correct)

    Correct: CO and SVR are central determinants.

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 D, Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance. Mean arterial pressure is approximately cardiac output multiplied by systemic vascular resistance, with arterial compliance also influencing pulsatile pressure.

Why is "Respiratory rate and tidal volume" not the answer?

Ventilation affects gas exchange.

Why is "Glomerular filtration and urine flow" not the answer?

Renal output affects volume over time.

Why is "Haemoglobin and platelet count" not the answer?

Blood counts do not directly set MAP.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: CO and SVR are central determinants.

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 Cardiovascular 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.