Q: A patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 140 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 60 mL. What is their stroke volume (SV)? $$SV = EDV - ESV$$

$$SV = 140\,\text{mL} - 60\,\text{mL} = 80\,\text{mL}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the pulmonary and systemic circuits in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium, while the systemic circuit carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body and returns deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

Question 2

According to Poiseuille’s Law, which of the following changes would result in the greatest increase in blood flow through a vessel, assuming all other factors remain constant?

Accepted Answer

Doubling the vessel radius

Question 3

A patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 140 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 60 mL. What is their stroke volume (SV)?

$$SV = EDV - ESV$$

Accepted Answer

$$SV = 140\,	ext{mL} - 60\,	ext{mL} = 80\,	ext{mL}$$

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the action potential in cardiac contractile cells has a plateau phase?

Accepted Answer

It is due to the prolonged influx of calcium ions, which prevents summation and tetanus, ensuring proper heart relaxation.

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents mean arterial pressure (MAP) in terms of cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR)?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 6

A patient’s blood pressure is measured as 130/80 mmHg. What is their pulse pressure?

Accepted Answer

$$Pulse\ Pressure = 130\,mmHg - 80\,mmHg = 50\,mmHg$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the role of the baroreflex in blood pressure regulation?

Accepted Answer

It detects changes in blood pressure via baroreceptors in the aorta and carotid arteries and adjusts cardiac output and vessel diameter.

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary function of the pericardium?

Accepted Answer

To anchor the heart and reduce friction during heartbeats

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why veins are considered the volume reservoir of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

They contain the majority of the blood volume at any given time due to their high compliance.

Question 10

A patient is experiencing orthostatic hypotension. Which of the following best describes what is happening physiologically?

Accepted Answer

Their baroreflex fails to compensate quickly enough for the drop in blood pressure when standing, leading to dizziness.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the atrioventricular (AV) valves from inverting into the atria.

Question 12

Which of the following chemical mediators is released by endothelial cells to cause vasodilation?

Accepted Answer

Nitric oxide

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why blood velocity is slowest in the capillaries?

Accepted Answer

The total cross-sectional area of all capillaries is greatest, reducing velocity.

Question 14

A patient’s ECG shows a prolonged PR interval. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

A delay in conduction through the AV node

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct equation for cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = Stroke\ Volume 	imes Heart\ Rate$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the Frank-Starling Law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the end-diastolic volume, the greater the force of contraction, up to a physiological limit.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased force of contraction

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why there are no valves between the atria and the vena cava?

Accepted Answer

The vena cava collapses during atrial contraction, preventing backflow.

Question 19

Which of the following is a major factor that increases blood viscosity and therefore decreases blood flow, according to Poiseuille’s Law?

Accepted Answer

Increased plasma protein concentration

Question 20

A patient has a heart rate of 75 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output?

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 75 	imes 70 = 5250\,	ext{mL/min}$$

Cardiovascular Physiology and Blood Flow: Study Guide (Chapters 14 & 15)

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