Exercise physiology: 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.

Try it

Physiology · Exercise physiology

Sample item

During sustained dynamic aerobic exercise such as running, which change occurs in the cardiovascular system?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Total peripheral resistance falls

Active muscles release local vasodilator metabolites and open more capillaries, so total peripheral resistance falls despite sympathetic activation. Cardiac output rises through higher heart rate and stroke volume, helped by the muscle pump and increased venous return, so systolic pressure rises while mean pressure rises only modestly.

Option by option

  • A. Venous return falls

    The muscle pump and venoconstriction increase venous return during exercise.

  • B. Total peripheral resistance falls (correct)

    Correct. Local metabolic vasodilatation in working muscle lowers overall peripheral resistance.

  • C. Stroke volume and heart rate both fall

    Heart rate rises with exercise, and stroke volume also rises, so both falling is incorrect.

  • D. Total peripheral resistance rises

    A rise in resistance would impair muscle blood flow and is the opposite of the observed vasodilatation.

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 Physiology questions

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Total peripheral resistance falls. Active muscles release local vasodilator metabolites and open more capillaries, so total peripheral resistance falls despite sympathetic activation.

Why is "Venous return falls" not the answer?

The muscle pump and venoconstriction increase venous return during exercise.

Why is "Stroke volume and heart rate both fall" not the answer?

Heart rate rises with exercise, and stroke volume also rises, so both falling is incorrect.

Why is "Total peripheral resistance rises" not the answer?

A rise in resistance would impair muscle blood flow and is the opposite of the observed vasodilatation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Exercise physiology in Physiology. Cardiac output rises through higher heart rate and stroke volume, helped by the muscle pump and increased venous return, so systolic pressure rises while mean pressure rises only modestly.

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 Exercise physiology?

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.