Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of the systemic circuit in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

To transport oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to all tissues of the body

Question 2

A patient has a mutation that causes their arterioles to lose the ability to constrict. Which of the following would most likely occur as a result?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood pressure due to lower resistance

Question 3

Which vessel type is primarily responsible for controlling the distribution of blood flow to specific organs and tissues?

Accepted Answer

Arterioles

Question 4

A blood vessel is observed to have a thick tunica media, a wavy endothelium, and a relatively small, rounded lumen. Which type of vessel is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Artery

Question 5

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between blood flow ($F$), pressure difference ($\Delta P$), vessel radius ($r$), viscosity ($\eta$), and vessel length ($l$)?

Accepted Answer

$F = \frac{\pi \Delta P r^4}{8 \eta l}$

Question 6

A patient is experiencing hypovolemia due to severe dehydration. Which of the following changes would you expect in their blood pressure and flow?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood pressure and decreased flow

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why veins are called 'capacitance vessels'?

Accepted Answer

They have large lumens and thin walls, allowing them to store large volumes of blood

Question 8

During exercise, blood flow to skeletal muscles increases dramatically. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for this redistribution?

Accepted Answer

Vasodilation of arterioles supplying skeletal muscle

Question 9

Which of the following statements about capillaries is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

They are composed only of endothelium (tunica intima)

Question 10

A patient with chronic hypertension is found to have decreased compliance in their arteries. What effect does this have on blood pressure and flow?

Accepted Answer

Increased resistance and decreased flow

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of precapillary sphincters?

Accepted Answer

They regulate blood flow into capillary beds based on tissue needs

Question 12

If the radius of a blood vessel doubles, how does this affect resistance to blood flow, assuming all other factors remain constant?

Accepted Answer

Resistance decreases by a factor of 16

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct formula for mean arterial pressure ($MAP$)?

Accepted Answer

$MAP = 	ext{diastolic pressure} + \frac{1}{3}(	ext{systolic pressure} - 	ext{diastolic pressure})$

Question 14

A patient has a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg. What is their pulse pressure?

Accepted Answer

$40\ 	ext{mmHg}$

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely increase blood viscosity and therefore increase resistance to flow?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct effect of the baroreceptor reflex when blood pressure rises above normal?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate and vasodilation

Question 17

Which hormone is released in response to increased blood pressure and causes the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic hormone

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why arterioles are called 'resistance vessels'?

Accepted Answer

They are the primary site of blood pressure drop and control flow into capillary beds

Question 19

A patient with liver failure has decreased plasma protein production. What effect does this have on capillary exchange?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood osmotic pressure, leading to more filtration and edema

Question 20

Which of the following is a real-life example of the skeletal muscle pump aiding venous return?

Accepted Answer

A runner's leg muscles contract, pushing blood back toward the heart

Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels & Circulation – Structure and Function

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