Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the right ventricle in the heart?

Accepted Answer

It receives oxygen-poor blood from the body and pumps it into the pulmonary trunk.

Question 2

A patient presents with pericardial friction rub heard on auscultation. Which condition is most likely responsible for this finding?

Accepted Answer

Pericarditis

Question 3

Which structure anchors the cusps of atrioventricular (AV) valves to the papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae

Question 4

During the cardiac cycle, what event immediately follows the closing of the AV valves?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumetric contraction

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 6

A patient with persistent high blood pressure is at risk for which cardiac complication due to increased afterload?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial hypertrophy and weakness

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the coronary circulation is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle receives most of the coronary blood supply.

Question 8

Which phase of the cardiac cycle is associated with the highest ventricular pressure and the ejection of blood into the arteries?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular systole

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with an incompetent mitral valve. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Blood regurgitates from the left ventricle into the left atrium.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why tetanic contractions cannot occur in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle fibers have a longer absolute refractory period, almost as long as the contraction itself.

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence of electrical conduction in the heart?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 12

A patient with hyperkalemia is at risk for which of the following cardiac effects?

Accepted Answer

Disrupted electrical activity, potentially leading to cardiac arrest

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

It acts as the heart's pacemaker, initiating impulses that set the heart rate.

Question 14

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the difference between the left and right ventricles?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle wall is three times thicker than the right.

Question 15

Which heart sound is associated with the closing of the AV valves at the beginning of ventricular systole?

Accepted Answer

First heart sound (S1)

Question 16

A patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to right-sided failure is most likely to exhibit which clinical sign?

Accepted Answer

Peripheral congestion and edema

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the heart relies almost exclusively on aerobic respiration?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle has more mitochondria and cannot function without oxygen.

Question 18

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and force of contraction

Question 19

A patient experiences a heart block due to a defective AV node. What is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Few or no impulses reach the ventricles, causing them to beat too slowly.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of intercalated discs in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

They connect adjacent cells, allowing the heart to function as a syncytium.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart: Structure, Function, and Circulation

Study Guide - Practice Questions