Sensory 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.

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Physiology · Sensory physiology

Sample item

Which skin receptor is rapidly adapting and best detects vibration?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Pacinian corpuscle

Pacinian corpuscles are large, rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors in deep skin that detect vibration and pressure changes. Merkel discs and Ruffini endings adapt slowly and signal sustained pressure and stretch. Free nerve endings mediate pain and temperature.

Option by option

  • A. Ruffini ending

    Ruffini endings are slowly adapting and detect skin stretch.

  • B. Pacinian corpuscle (correct)

    Correct. Its onion-like layers filter out sustained pressure, so it signals vibration.

  • C. Merkel disc

    Merkel discs are slowly adapting and detect fine touch and edges.

  • D. Free nerve ending

    Free nerve endings carry pain and temperature, not vibration.

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, Pacinian corpuscle. Pacinian corpuscles are large, rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors in deep skin that detect vibration and pressure changes.

Why is "Ruffini ending" not the answer?

Ruffini endings are slowly adapting and detect skin stretch.

Why is "Merkel disc" not the answer?

Merkel discs are slowly adapting and detect fine touch and edges.

Why is "Free nerve ending" not the answer?

Free nerve endings carry pain and temperature, not vibration.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Sensory physiology in Physiology. Merkel discs and Ruffini endings adapt slowly and signal sustained pressure and stretch. Free nerve endings mediate pain and temperature.

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 Sensory 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.