Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It lubricates the heart and decreases friction during heart movements.

Question 2

Blood flows through the cardiovascular system in a specific order. Which sequence correctly represents the flow of blood from the heart to the veins?

Accepted Answer

Heart → arteries → arterioles → capillaries → venules → veins

Question 3

Which of the following statements about heart valves is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

All heart valves open passively in response to pressure gradients.

Question 4

During ventricular systole, which valves are open and which are closed?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular valves are closed; semilunar valves are open.

Question 5

According to Poiseuille’s Law, which change will most dramatically increase blood flow through a vessel?

Accepted Answer

Doubling the radius of the vessel

Question 6

If the pressure at the beginning of a vessel is 120 mm Hg and at the end is 80 mm Hg, what is the pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta P = 40 mm Hg$$

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the pulmonary circuit operates under lower pressure than the systemic circuit?

Accepted Answer

The pulmonary circuit has a shorter length and less resistance.

Question 8

A patient has a stroke volume (SV) of 80 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 50 mL. What is the end-diastolic volume (EDV)? Use the formula $$SV = EDV - ESV.$$

Accepted Answer

$$EDV = 130 mL$$

Question 9

Which of the following would most likely result in a decrease in cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 10

If a vessel’s radius is reduced by half, what happens to its resistance to flow according to Poiseuille’s Law ($$R \propto \frac{L \eta}{r^4$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases by a factor of 16

Question 11

Which of the following is a function of the intercalated disks in cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow rapid transmission of electrical signals between cells.

Question 12

Which structure is responsible for setting the pace of the heartbeat under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 13

During the cardiac cycle, when does ventricular filling primarily occur?

Accepted Answer

During ventricular diastole

Question 14

Which of the following changes would most likely increase the velocity of blood flow in a vessel, assuming flow rate remains constant?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing the cross-sectional area of the vessel

Question 15

Which ion is primarily responsible for the plateau phase of the cardiac contractile cell action potential?

Accepted Answer

Calcium ($$Ca^{2+})$$

Question 16

A patient’s heart rate is 90 beats per minute and their stroke volume is 70 mL. What is their cardiac output ($$CO$$)? Use the formula $$CO = SV 	imes HR.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 6.3 L/$$min

Question 17

Which of the following mechanisms increases stroke volume according to Starling’s law?

Accepted Answer

Increased venous return

Question 18

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the spread of excitation through the heart muscle?

Accepted Answer

The SA node initiates impulses that cause simultaneous contraction of both atria.

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely occur if the papillary muscles failed to contract during ventricular systole?

Accepted Answer

The AV valves would prolapse into the atria, causing regurgitation.

Chapter 14: Cardiovascular Physiology: Structure, Function, and Electrical Activity of the Heart

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