Cardiovascular system: baroreceptor resetting: 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 · Cardiovascular system: baroreceptor resetting

Sample item

Why do the carotid sinus baroreceptors of a man with long-standing hypertension not lower his pressure back to normal?

AThey reset to the higher pressure and defend itBThey have been destroyed by the arterial wall thickeningCThey only respond to falling pressure, never to rising pressureDTheir afferent fibres have stopped conducting

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. They reset to the higher pressure and defend it

In chronic hypertension the baroreceptor threshold shifts to a higher pressure, a process called resetting. The reflex remains functional but regulates around the new raised level, so it cannot be relied on to correct hypertension over the long term. It is the reason baroreflex control is considered a short-term regulator.

Option by option

A. They reset to the higher pressure and defend it (correct)
Correct. Resetting makes the elevated pressure the new set point that is defended.
B. They have been destroyed by the arterial wall thickening
The receptors still work; they are not destroyed but adapt.
C. They only respond to falling pressure, never to rising pressure
Baroreceptors fire more as pressure rises, so they respond in both directions.
D. Their afferent fibres have stopped conducting
The reflex arc is intact and conducting; its set point has moved.

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.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, They reset to the higher pressure and defend it. In chronic hypertension the baroreceptor threshold shifts to a higher pressure, a process called resetting.

Why is "They have been destroyed by the arterial wall thickening" not the answer?

The receptors still work; they are not destroyed but adapt.

Why is "They only respond to falling pressure, never to rising pressure" not the answer?

Baroreceptors fire more as pressure rises, so they respond in both directions.

Why is "Their afferent fibres have stopped conducting" not the answer?

The reflex arc is intact and conducting; its set point has moved.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular system: baroreceptor resetting in Physiology. The reflex remains functional but regulates around the new raised level, so it cannot be relied on to correct hypertension over the long term. It is the reason baroreflex control is considered a short-term regulator.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Cardiovascular system: baroreceptor resetting?

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.