General physiology: feedforward control: 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 · General physiology: feedforward control

Sample item

A sprinter's heart rate and ventilation rise at the starting blocks, before muscle activity has altered blood gases or pressure. Which control principle explains this early rise?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Feedforward control, in which anticipation adjusts the system before a deviation

Feedforward control uses anticipation, for example from the motor cortex and learned cues, to change effector output before any error signal appears. It complements negative feedback, which can respond only after a deviation has occurred.

Option by option

  • A. Negative feedback from arterial chemoreceptors correcting a deviation

    Negative feedback needs a measurable deviation first, which has not yet occurred.

  • B. Positive feedback from muscle metabolites amplifying central drive

    Muscle metabolites are not yet being produced at the starting blocks.

  • C. Sensory adaptation of baroreceptors to a sustained stimulus

    Baroreceptor adaptation concerns a sustained stimulus, not an anticipatory rise.

  • D. Feedforward control, in which anticipation adjusts the system before a deviation (correct)

    Correct. The response precedes any change in the regulated variable.

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, Feedforward control, in which anticipation adjusts the system before a deviation. Feedforward control uses anticipation, for example from the motor cortex and learned cues, to change effector output before any error signal appears.

Why is "Negative feedback from arterial chemoreceptors correcting a deviation" not the answer?

Negative feedback needs a measurable deviation first, which has not yet occurred.

Why is "Positive feedback from muscle metabolites amplifying central drive" not the answer?

Muscle metabolites are not yet being produced at the starting blocks.

Why is "Sensory adaptation of baroreceptors to a sustained stimulus" not the answer?

Baroreceptor adaptation concerns a sustained stimulus, not an anticipatory rise.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General physiology: feedforward control in Physiology. It complements negative feedback, which can respond only after a deviation has occurred.

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 General physiology: feedforward control?

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.