Exercise 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.

Try it

Physiology · Exercise physiology

Sample item

What is the major immediate source of ATP during the first few seconds of maximal skeletal-muscle contraction?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Phosphocreatine system

Stored ATP and phosphocreatine provide very rapid energy for the first seconds of intense contraction. Anaerobic glycolysis and then oxidative metabolism contribute as activity continues.

Option by option

  • A. Ketone-body oxidation only

    Ketones are not the principal immediate fuel for sprint activity.

  • B. Aerobic beta oxidation

    Beta oxidation is slower and more important in prolonged lower-intensity exercise.

  • C. Phosphocreatine system (correct)

    Correct. Phosphocreatine rapidly regenerates ATP at exercise onset.

  • D. Hepatic gluconeogenesis

    Gluconeogenesis occurs primarily in liver and is not immediate muscle ATP supply.

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, Phosphocreatine system. Stored ATP and phosphocreatine provide very rapid energy for the first seconds of intense contraction.

Why is "Ketone-body oxidation only" not the answer?

Ketones are not the principal immediate fuel for sprint activity.

Why is "Aerobic beta oxidation" not the answer?

Beta oxidation is slower and more important in prolonged lower-intensity exercise.

Why is "Hepatic gluconeogenesis" not the answer?

Gluconeogenesis occurs primarily in liver and is not immediate muscle ATP supply.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Exercise physiology in Physiology. Anaerobic glycolysis and then oxidative metabolism contribute as activity continues.

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 Exercise 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.