Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To transport materials such as oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body

Question 2

Blood flows from the left ventricle to the aorta. What is the correct sequence of major blood vessels and heart chambers that blood passes through to return to the left ventricle?

Accepted Answer

Aorta → systemic arteries → capillaries → systemic veins → venae cavae → right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → left ventricle

Question 3

According to Poiseuille’s Law, which of the following changes would result in the greatest increase in blood flow through a vessel?

Accepted Answer

Doubling the radius of the vessel

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between flow ($$Q$$), pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$), and resistance ($$R) in $$the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

$$Q = \Delta P / R$$

Question 5

If the radius of a blood vessel is reduced by half, what happens to the resistance to flow, according to the formula $$R = 8L\eta/\pi r^4$?

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases by a factor of 16

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the velocity of blood flow is correct?

Accepted Answer

Velocity is calculated as $$v = Q/A$$, where $$Q is $$flow rate and $$A is $$cross-sectional area

Question 7

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are the atrioventricular (AV) valves closed and the semilunar valves open?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular systole (ejection phase)

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why action potentials in cardiac contractile cells last much longer than those in skeletal muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

To prevent summation and allow time for the heart to relax and refill

Question 9

Which part of the electrocardiogram (ECG) corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

80 mL

Question 11

If a person’s heart rate is 75 beats/min and their stroke volume is 70 mL/beat, what is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$5250\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 12

Which of the following would most likely increase venous return to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased respiratory rate (respiratory pump)

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The force of contraction is directly proportional to the length of the sarcomeres prior to contraction

Question 14

Which autonomic division is primarily responsible for decreasing heart rate at rest, and what is the main neurotransmitter involved?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division; acetylcholine

Question 15

A drug that increases the contractility of the heart is said to have what kind of effect?

Accepted Answer

Positive inotropic

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle has a thicker wall than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the entire body, requiring greater force to overcome higher resistance

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely cause a decrease in stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Increased afterload

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the conduction system of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The SA node acts as the primary pacemaker

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate and contractility

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Delayed conduction through the AV node

Cardiovascular Physiology: Structure, Function, and Regulation

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