Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They ensure one-way blood flow through the heart chambers.

Question 2

A patient has a blockage in the left anterior descending artery. Which area of the heart is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Anterior wall of the left ventricle

Question 3

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are all heart valves closed and the ventricles begin to contract, but no blood is ejected?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumic contraction

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = CO 	imes PR$$

Question 5

A 70-year-old patient has a decreased maximum heart rate and increased tendency for arrhythmias. Which age-related change is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Gradual changes in heart function and increased oxygen consumption required to pump the same amount of blood

Question 6

Which of the following statements about the conducting system of the heart is correct?

Accepted Answer

The sinoatrial (SA) node acts as the pacemaker by generating spontaneous action potentials.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cannot undergo tetanic contractions?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle has a long absolute refractory period.

Question 8

A patient is experiencing bradycardia (slow heart rate) after a head injury. Which part of the autonomic nervous system is most likely overactive?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 9

If a person’s stroke volume (SV) is 70 mL and their heart rate (HR) is 80 beats per minute, what is their cardiac output (CO)? Use the formula $$CO = SV 	imes HR.$$

Accepted Answer

$$5600\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased preload on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased force of ventricular contraction

Question 11

A patient has a mutation that causes their cardiac muscle cells to lack functional gap junctions. Which of the following would most likely occur?

Accepted Answer

Action potentials would not efficiently propagate from cell to cell, impairing coordinated contraction.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of baroreceptors in cardiovascular homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

They monitor blood pressure and send sensory information to the medulla oblongata.

Question 13

Which of the following events occurs at the dicrotic notch (incisura) on the aortic pressure curve?

Accepted Answer

Closure of the aortic semilunar valve

Question 14

A patient with hyperkalemia (elevated extracellular K+) is at risk for which of the following cardiac effects?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle generates higher pressure than the right ventricle during systole?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle must pump blood to the entire body, whereas the right ventricle only pumps to the lungs.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that an action potential passes through in the heart's conduction system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

A patient is experiencing increased heart rate and force of contraction due to emotional stress. Which hormones are most likely responsible for this response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

It provides electrical insulation between the atria and ventricles.

Question 19

During exercise, why is atrial contraction necessary for effective heart function?

Accepted Answer

It ensures complete ventricular filling when the heart is beating rapidly.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and force of contraction

Question 21

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

Accepted Answer

Delayed conduction through the AV node

Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Structure, Function, and Regulation

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