L1.i · Musculoskeletal System Physiology

Official V4 objective

Describe the anatomy and physiology of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle.

Written examination

SAQ history

4 appearances

1 exam appearance

2012B Q23

Outline the mechanisms that control regional skeletal muscle blood flow.

18.2%

1 exam appearance

2014A Q08

Describe the physiology of skeletal muscle cell contraction.

34%

2 exam appearances

2024B Q04

Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of smooth and skeletal muscle.

53%

2015B Q11

Compare and contrast the anatomy and physiology of skeletal and smooth muscle.

23%

Oral examination

4 stations

2023B · Day 1 · VIVA 3
This viva will examine muscle physiology and monitoring. Describe the events that lead to skeletal muscle contraction in response to a motor neurone action potential.

Pass rate not reported
2022B · Day 1 · VIVA 3
This viva will explore your understanding of skeletal muscle. What is a motor unit? Describe events in the motor unit resulting in skeletal muscle contraction and relaxation.

Pass rate not reported
2021B · Day 2 · VIVA 5
This viva will assess your knowledge on cardiovascular physiology. Outline the structure of cardiac muscle and explain how it contracts.

56% successful
2010A · VIVA 4
This station is concerned with the physiology and pharmacology related to the musculoskeletal system Candidates were asked to draw and label a sacromere, outline the physiological events relating to muscle contraction, length – tension relationship, muscle relaxants, malignant hyperthermia and dantrolene

25% successful

Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.