Question 1

Which of the following correctly lists the three main components of the circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Heart, blood vessels, and blood

Question 2

Blood returning from the body enters the heart through which vessel, and what is the correct sequence of chambers and valves it passes through before being pumped to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Inferior/superior vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle

Question 3

Which structure provides the electrical insulation between the atria and ventricles, ensuring proper timing of contraction?

Accepted Answer

Fibrous skeleton

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

It initiates the action potential that triggers atrial contraction

Question 5

A patient’s ECG shows an absent P wave but a normal QRS complex and T wave. Which cardiac structure is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

SA node

Question 6

Which equation correctly calculates cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 7

During the cardiac cycle, which event immediately follows ventricular depolarization as seen on the ECG?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular contraction (systole)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the stretch of cardiac muscle fibers, the stronger the contraction

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding the refractory period in cardiac contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

It is nearly as long as the action potential, preventing tetanus

Question 10

Which of the following correctly describes the process of depolarization in cardiac autorhythmic cells?

Accepted Answer

Slow influx of $$Na^+$$, then rapid influx of $$Ca^{2+}$$

Question 11

Which heart condition is most likely indicated by an irregularly spaced QRS complex on an ECG?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular arrhythmia

Question 12

Which of the following best describes coronary circulation?

Accepted Answer

The flow of blood to and from the heart muscle itself via coronary arteries and veins

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct definition of stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

The amount of blood ejected by one ventricle during one contraction

Question 14

A patient has a heart rate ($$HR) of 80 $$beats per minute and a stroke volume ($$SV) of 70 mL. $$What is their cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 5600\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the SA node?

Accepted Answer

It increases the rate of depolarization, speeding up heart rate

Question 16

Which mechanical event in the cardiac cycle is associated with the closing of the AV valves?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular systole (beginning)

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

Calcium enters the cell from both the extracellular fluid and the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the action potential of a cardiac contractile cell compared to a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac contractile cells have a prolonged plateau phase due to $$Ca^{2+}$$ influx

Question 19

Which of the following best describes cardiac reserve?

Accepted Answer

The difference between maximum and resting cardiac output

Cardiac Physiology: Study Guide and Review Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards