Cardiac physiology: pressure-volume loop: 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: pressure-volume loop

Sample item

Which change shifts the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship upward and leftward?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Increased contractility

Increased contractility allows the ventricle to eject more at a given afterload, decreasing end-systolic volume and shifting the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship upward and leftward.

Option by option

  • A. Increased afterload only

    Afterload raises end-systolic volume and pressure.

  • B. Increased contractility (correct)

    Correct. More contractile force produces lower ESV at a given pressure.

  • C. Increased preload only

    Preload mainly raises end-diastolic volume.

  • D. Reduced sympathetic stimulation

    Reduced sympathetic drive lowers contractility.

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 contractility. Increased contractility allows the ventricle to eject more at a given afterload, decreasing end-systolic volume and shifting the end-systolic pressure-volume relationship upward and leftward.

Why is "Increased afterload only" not the answer?

Afterload raises end-systolic volume and pressure.

Why is "Increased preload only" not the answer?

Preload mainly raises end-diastolic volume.

Why is "Reduced sympathetic stimulation" not the answer?

Reduced sympathetic drive lowers contractility.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac physiology: pressure-volume loop in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct. More contractile force produces lower ESV at a given pressure.

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: pressure-volume loop?

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.