GI physiology: gastric motility: 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 · GI physiology: gastric motility

Sample item

A 50-year-old man has had a truncal vagotomy. Which alteration of gastric emptying is expected?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Faster emptying of liquids and slower emptying of solids

Vagal fibres mediate receptive relaxation of the gastric fundus and also coordinate antral contraction and pyloric opening. After vagotomy the fundus does not relax to accommodate a meal, so liquids are propelled rapidly into the duodenum. Loss of antral grinding and pyloric coordination slows the emptying of solids, so a drainage procedure such as pyloroplasty is often added.

Option by option

  • A. Faster emptying of both liquids and solids

    Solids are not accelerated, as the antral pump is weakened.

  • B. Faster emptying of solids and slower emptying of liquids

    The pattern is reversed; solids are the ones delayed.

  • C. Faster emptying of liquids and slower emptying of solids (correct)

    Loss of receptive relaxation speeds liquids while impaired antral function delays solids.

  • D. No change, because gastric motility is controlled entirely by gastrin

    Gastrin has a minor effect on motility; the vagus and enteric reflexes are dominant.

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 C, Faster emptying of liquids and slower emptying of solids. Vagal fibres mediate receptive relaxation of the gastric fundus and also coordinate antral contraction and pyloric opening.

Why is "Faster emptying of both liquids and solids" not the answer?

Solids are not accelerated, as the antral pump is weakened.

Why is "Faster emptying of solids and slower emptying of liquids" not the answer?

The pattern is reversed; solids are the ones delayed.

Why is "No change, because gastric motility is controlled entirely by gastrin" not the answer?

Gastrin has a minor effect on motility; the vagus and enteric reflexes are dominant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests GI physiology: gastric motility in Physiology. After vagotomy the fundus does not relax to accommodate a meal, so liquids are propelled rapidly into the duodenum. Loss of antral grinding and pyloric coordination slows the emptying of solids, so a drainage procedure such as pyloroplasty is often added.

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 GI physiology: gastric motility?

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.