During sustained moderate-intensity exercise (60 percent VO2max), blood flow is redistributed. Which pattern is correct?
- A Splanchnic and renal blood flows increase to support digestion and filtration during exercise
- B Skin blood flow decreases throughout sustained exercise to preserve cardiac output for muscle
- C Splanchnic and renal blood flows decrease, while skeletal muscle and cardiac blood flows increase ✓
- D Coronary blood flow decreases because sympathetic vasoconstriction overrides local metabolic factors
Correct answer: C. Splanchnic and renal blood flows decrease, while skeletal muscle and cardiac blood flows increase
Explanation
During moderate exercise, sympathetic activation causes vasoconstriction in splanchnic and renal beds, redirecting cardiac output toward exercising skeletal muscle and the heart. Skin blood flow initially decreases but later rises for thermoregulation. The splanchnic/renal increase option is opposite to the known vasoconstrictive response.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.
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