Question 1

Which layer of the heart wall is primarily responsible for generating the contractile force needed to propel blood throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Left atrium, left ventricle, and interventricular septum

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Semilunar valves open, AV valves closed

Question 4

Calculate the cardiac output ($$CO) $$for a patient whose heart rate ($$HR) is 90 $$beats per minute and whose stroke volume ($$SV) is 65 mL. $$Use the formula $$CO = SV 	imes HR.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 5850\ \mathrm{mL/min}$$

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardial sac?

Accepted Answer

It prevents heart displacement and acts as a physical barrier against infection

Question 6

A patient has a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg. Which value represents the diastolic pressure, and what does it indicate?

Accepted Answer

90 mmHg; pressure during ventricular relaxation

Question 7

Which vessel type is most responsible for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues?

Accepted Answer

Capillaries

Question 8

If the SA node fails to function, which structure takes over as the pacemaker, and what is the expected heart rate?

Accepted Answer

AV node; 40-60 beats per minute

Question 9

Which of the following changes would most likely increase blood flow through capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Increased cardiac output

Question 10

Which statement best explains why the left ventricle has a thicker myocardium than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to propel blood through the systemic circuit

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the path of an electrical impulse through the cardiac conduction system?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → Bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 12

Which autonomic neurotransmitter is released to slow the heart rate, and where does it primarily act?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine; SA node

Question 13

A patient has a stroke volume ($$SV) of 80 mL $$and a heart rate ($$HR) of 75 $$beats per minute. What is their cardiac output ($$CO$$)? Use $$CO = SV 	imes HR.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 6000\ \mathrm{mL/min}$$

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the role of the semilunar valves during the cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

They open during systole to allow blood to exit the heart and close during diastole to prevent backflow into the ventricles

Question 15

Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary vein

Question 16

Which of the following is a consequence of age-related changes in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Replacement of damaged cardiac muscle cells with scar tissue

Question 17

Which of the following statements about veins is correct?

Accepted Answer

Veins expand more easily than arteries due to less muscle

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely result from a rupture of an arterial aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Significant blood loss and possible myocardial infarction

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why capillary pressures drop from 35 mmHg to 18 mmHg along their length?

Accepted Answer

To allow efficient exchange of ions, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues

Question 20

Which of the following is a major determinant of vascular wall thickness and regulates vasomotor tone?

Accepted Answer

Tunica media

Cardiovascular System: Structure, Function, and Circulation

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