Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling mechanism: 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 · Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling mechanism

Sample item

What is the Frank-Starling mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Increased ventricular filling increases stroke volume within physiologic limits

Greater venous return increases end-diastolic fiber stretch, enhancing force of contraction and stroke volume within normal limits. This helps match right- and left-heart outputs.

Option by option

  • A. Tachycardia always increases diastolic filling

    Very rapid heart rates shorten diastole and can reduce filling.

  • B. Increased ventricular filling increases stroke volume within physiologic limits (correct)

    Correct. Preload-dependent rise in stroke volume is the Frank-Starling effect.

  • C. Coronary flow falls during diastole

    Coronary flow to the left ventricle is greatest during diastole.

  • D. Increased afterload always increases stroke volume

    Higher afterload tends to reduce stroke volume acutely.

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 B, Increased ventricular filling increases stroke volume within physiologic limits. Greater venous return increases end-diastolic fiber stretch, enhancing force of contraction and stroke volume within normal limits.

Why is "Tachycardia always increases diastolic filling" not the answer?

Very rapid heart rates shorten diastole and can reduce filling.

Why is "Coronary flow falls during diastole" not the answer?

Coronary flow to the left ventricle is greatest during diastole.

Why is "Increased afterload always increases stroke volume" not the answer?

Higher afterload tends to reduce stroke volume acutely.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac physiology: Frank-Starling mechanism in Physiology. This helps match right- and left-heart outputs.

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 mechanism?

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.