Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pulmonary circuit in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs for gas exchange.

Question 2

A patient presents with chest pain and is diagnosed with pericarditis. Which physiological effect is most likely responsible for the 'friction rub' heard through a stethoscope?

Accepted Answer

Roughened pericardial membrane surfaces due to inflammation

Question 3

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile force that pumps blood throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 4

During ventricular contraction, which structure prevents the atrioventricular (AV) valve flaps from everting into the atria?

Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae anchored by papillary muscles

Question 5

A patient with valvular stenosis will most likely experience which physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Heart must exert more force to pump blood through stiff valve flaps

Question 6

Which of the following correctly traces the pathway of blood through the right side of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Superior vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary semilunar valve → pulmonary trunk

Question 7

Why are the walls of the left ventricle significantly thicker than those of the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle pumps blood to the systemic circuit, requiring greater pressure.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about cardiac muscle cells is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are striated, branched, and interconnected by intercalated discs.

Question 9

What is the primary function of gap junctions in cardiac muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

To electrically couple adjacent cells, allowing ions to pass and coordinate contraction

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

A patient suffers a myocardial infarction. What is the most likely outcome for the affected heart tissue?

Accepted Answer

The dead tissue is repaired with noncontractile scar tissue.

Question 12

Which equation best represents the relationship between cardiac output ($$CO$$), heart rate ($$HR$$), and stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 13

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the coronary circulation?

Accepted Answer

It is the shortest circulation in the body and is delivered when the heart is relaxed.

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct consequence of an incompetent heart valve?

Accepted Answer

Blood backflows, causing the heart to repump the same blood repeatedly.

Question 15

Which chamber of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the function of the semilunar (SL) valves is correct?

Accepted Answer

They prevent backflow of blood from major arteries into the ventricles.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why the heart is able to contract as a functional syncytium?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions electrically couple adjacent cells, allowing coordinated contraction.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key difference between cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle contraction is triggered by both extracellular and intracellular calcium influx.

Question 19

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the energy metabolism of cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle has more mitochondria and depends almost exclusively on aerobic respiration.

Question 20

A patient is found to have a blockage in the anterior interventricular artery. Which region of the heart is most at risk for ischemia?

Accepted Answer

Interventricular septum and anterior ventricular walls

Chapter 18A: Cardiovascular System

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