Nerve and muscle: skeletal muscle hypertrophy 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 · Nerve and muscle: skeletal muscle hypertrophy mechanism

Sample item

Why does a muscle subjected to chronic resistance exercise enlarge in adults?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Existing fibres add contractile proteins, helped by satellite cell nuclei

In adults, muscle enlargement results from hypertrophy of existing fibres, with synthesis of new actin and myosin filaments and added myonuclei donated by satellite cells. True increase in fibre number is limited in humans.

Option by option

  • A. Fibres fill with fat and fluid

    Fat and fluid accumulation is not training hypertrophy.

  • B. Existing fibres add contractile proteins, helped by satellite cell nuclei (correct)

    Correct. Fibres enlarge by adding contractile protein and myonuclei.

  • C. New fibres form by splitting of existing fibres in large numbers

    Fibre splitting contributes little in humans.

  • D. Connective tissue replaces contractile elements

    Connective tissue replacement is a feature of dystrophy, not training.

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, Existing fibres add contractile proteins, helped by satellite cell nuclei. In adults, muscle enlargement results from hypertrophy of existing fibres, with synthesis of new actin and myosin filaments and added myonuclei donated by satellite cells.

Why is "Fibres fill with fat and fluid" not the answer?

Fat and fluid accumulation is not training hypertrophy.

Why is "New fibres form by splitting of existing fibres in large numbers" not the answer?

Fibre splitting contributes little in humans.

Why is "Connective tissue replaces contractile elements" not the answer?

Connective tissue replacement is a feature of dystrophy, not training.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve and muscle: skeletal muscle hypertrophy mechanism in Physiology. True increase in fibre number is limited in humans.

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 Nerve and muscle: skeletal muscle hypertrophy 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.