Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

To transport gases, nutrients, waste, and provide defense against pathogens

Question 2

Blood flows through a vessel only if there is a positive pressure gradient. Which equation correctly represents the relationship between flow ($F$), pressure difference ($\Delta P$), and resistance ($R$)?

Accepted Answer

$F = \Delta P / R$

Question 3

A patient has a blood vessel with a pressure of 100 mm Hg at one end and 75 mm Hg at the other. What is the pressure gradient ($\Delta P$) and what does it determine?

Accepted Answer

$\Delta P = 25$ mm Hg; it determines the direction and rate of blood flow

Question 4

According to Poiseuille’s Law, which factor has the greatest effect on resistance to blood flow in a vessel?

Accepted Answer

Radius of the vessel

Question 5

If the radius of a blood vessel is halved, by what factor does the resistance to flow increase, according to Poiseuille’s Law ($R \propto 1/r^4$)?

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases by a factor of 16

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the heart valves is correct?

Accepted Answer

The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta

Question 7

During ventricular contraction, which structure prevents blood from flowing backward into the atria?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular (AV) valves

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cells do not experience tetanus?

Accepted Answer

They have a long action potential plateau due to calcium entry

Question 9

A patient is experiencing vasoconstriction. What effect does this have on blood pressure and flow?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure increases and flow decreases

Question 10

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the portal system in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It joins two capillary beds in series

Question 11

Which component of cardiac muscle allows for the transfer of force from cell to cell?

Accepted Answer

Desmosomes

Question 12

What is the main difference between the action potential of cardiac contractile cells and cardiac autorhythmic cells?

Accepted Answer

Contractile cells have a stable resting membrane potential, while autorhythmic cells have a pacemaker potential

Question 13

Which equation correctly represents Poiseuille’s Law for resistance ($R$) in a blood vessel?

Accepted Answer

$R = 8L\eta / \pi r^4$

Question 14

Which of the following would most likely increase the force of cardiac muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the number of active crossbridges

Question 15

If a patient’s blood viscosity increases due to dehydration, what effect does this have on resistance and blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases and blood flow decreases

Question 16

Which structure encases the heart and provides a fluid-filled protective environment?

Accepted Answer

Pericardium

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

They provide electrical connection between cells

Question 18

A patient’s mean arterial pressure (MAP) is determined by cardiac output and peripheral resistance. Which equation best represents this relationship?

Accepted Answer

$MAP = Cardiac\ Output 	imes Peripheral\ Resistance$

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pulmonary and systemic circulations?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary circulation carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs

Ch 14a Cardiovascular Physiology: Structure, Function, and Hemodynamics

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