Q: If a person has a heart rate ($$HR) of 80 $$beats per minute and a stroke volume ($$SV) of 70 mL/$$beat, what is their cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

$$CO = 80 \times 70 = 5600 mL/$$min

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

To generate blood pressure, route blood between pulmonary and systemic circuits, and regulate the amount and direction of blood flow.

Question 2

The heart is located in which anatomical region?

Accepted Answer

Within the mediastinum, inside the pericardial cavity, anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum.

Question 3

Which statement correctly compares the right and left ventricles of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The right ventricle pumps blood at lower pressure to the lungs, while the left ventricle pumps blood at higher pressure to the systemic circulation.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the function of the heart valves?

Accepted Answer

They ensure unidirectional blood flow by preventing backflow during the cardiac cycle.

Question 5

During ventricular systole, which of the following events occurs?

Accepted Answer

The semilunar valves open and blood is ejected into the arteries.

Question 6

Which structure is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse that sets the pace of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 7

A patient has a blockage in the left coronary artery. Which area of the heart is most at risk for ischemia?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle and interventricular septum

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly calculates cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 9

If a person has a heart rate ($$HR) of 80 $$beats per minute and a stroke volume ($$SV) of 70 mL/$$beat, what is their cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 70 = 5600 mL/$$min

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

The greater the stretch of cardiac muscle fibers during diastole (preload), the greater the force of contraction during systole.

Question 11

Which of the following would most likely increase stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

Increased venous return leading to greater end-diastolic volume ($$EDV)$$

Question 12

A patient is experiencing tachycardia (elevated heart rate). Which of the following is a likely physiological effect if the heart rate becomes excessively high?

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume ($$SV) $$may decrease because there is less time for ventricular filling during diastole.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the atrioventricular (AV) node in the cardiac conduction system?

Accepted Answer

It delays the electrical impulse, allowing the atria to contract before the ventricles.

Question 14

Which of the following is true regarding the function of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

They prevent backflow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles during ventricular diastole.

Question 15

Which of the following would most likely cause a decrease in heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Increased parasympathetic (vagus nerve) stimulation

Question 16

A patient has an end-diastolic volume ($$EDV) of 120 mL $$and an end-systolic volume ($$ESV) of 50 mL. $$What is their stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = 120 - 50 = 70 mL$$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the fossa ovalis in the adult heart?

Accepted Answer

It is a remnant of the fetal foramen ovale, which allowed blood to bypass the lungs before birth.

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely occur if the cardiac output ($$CO) $$decreases significantly?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors would stimulate an increase in heart rate and stroke volume to restore homeostasis.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to overcome greater resistance in the systemic circulation.

Cardiovascular System: Heart Structure, Function, and Physiology

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