Cardiac cycle: 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 · Cardiac cycle

Sample item

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are all valves closed while ventricular pressure is rising?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Isovolumetric contraction

After the AV valves shut, ventricular pressure climbs, but not yet above aortic pressure, so the semilunar valves stay closed and volume is constant. Isovolumetric relaxation also has all valves closed, but pressure is falling.

Option by option

  • A. Isovolumetric contraction (correct)

    Correct. This is the brief rise in pressure before the aortic valve opens.

  • B. Isovolumetric relaxation

    Same valve state, but pressure is falling after the aortic valve closes.

  • C. Rapid ventricular ejection

    During ejection the semilunar valves are open.

  • D. Rapid ventricular filling

    During filling the AV valves are open.

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 A, Isovolumetric contraction. After the AV valves shut, ventricular pressure climbs, but not yet above aortic pressure, so the semilunar valves stay closed and volume is constant.

Why is "Isovolumetric relaxation" not the answer?

Same valve state, but pressure is falling after the aortic valve closes.

Why is "Rapid ventricular ejection" not the answer?

During ejection the semilunar valves are open.

Why is "Rapid ventricular filling" not the answer?

During filling the AV valves are open.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiac cycle in Physiology. Isovolumetric relaxation also has all valves closed, but pressure is falling.

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 Cardiac cycle?

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.