The Frank-Starling mechanism describes:

A Nerve conduction in the heart

B The heart ability to increase contractile force when ventricular filling (preload) increases

C Valve function

D Coronary blood flow

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Frank-Starling law: increased preload (ventricular EDV) → increased sarcomere stretch → greater contractile force → increased stroke volume. Intrinsic cardiac regulation mechanism.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "The Frank-Starling mechanism describes:" is Option B: The heart ability to increase contractile force when ventricular filling (preload) increases.

The other options — A) Nerve conduction in the heart, C) Valve function, D) Coronary blood flow — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Frank-Starling law: increased preload (ventricular EDV) → increased sarcomere stretch → greater contractile force → increased stroke volume. Intrinsic cardiac regulation mechanism.

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 1 - Basic Sciences topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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The Frank-Starling mechanism describes:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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