Neonatology: non-shivering thermogenesis: practice question

A Pediatrics 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

Pediatrics · Neonatology: non-shivering thermogenesis

Sample item

A cold-stressed term newborn maintains temperature mainly by which mechanism?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in brown fat

Newborns have little capacity to shiver and instead generate heat in brown adipose tissue, where uncoupling protein 1 diverts the proton gradient to produce heat. This needs oxygen and glucose, so cold stress can cause hypoxia and hypoglycaemia.

Option by option

  • A. Shivering of skeletal muscle

    Shivering is poorly developed in newborns and is not the main source of heat.

  • B. Increased sweating

    Sweating cools the body and is not a response to cold.

  • C. Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in brown fat (correct)

    Correct. Brown fat thermogenesis through an uncoupling protein is the neonatal response to cold.

  • D. Peripheral vasodilatation

    Vasodilatation increases heat loss and is the opposite of the response to cold.

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 Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation in brown fat. Newborns have little capacity to shiver and instead generate heat in brown adipose tissue, where uncoupling protein 1 diverts the proton gradient to produce heat.

Why is "Shivering of skeletal muscle" not the answer?

Shivering is poorly developed in newborns and is not the main source of heat.

Why is "Increased sweating" not the answer?

Sweating cools the body and is not a response to cold.

Why is "Peripheral vasodilatation" not the answer?

Vasodilatation increases heat loss and is the opposite of the response to cold.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neonatology: non-shivering thermogenesis in Pediatrics. This needs oxygen and glucose, so cold stress can cause hypoxia and hypoglycaemia.

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 Neonatology: non-shivering thermogenesis?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.