Q: A patient has a heart rate of 90 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output in liters per minute? Use the formula $$CO = HR \times SV.$$

$$CO = 90 \times 70 = 6300 mL/$$min = 6.3 L/min

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the fibrous pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It prevents overstretching of the heart, anchors the heart in place, and provides protection.

Question 2

A patient suffers a myocardial infarction due to a blockage in the left coronary artery. Which area of the heart is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium, left ventricle, and interventricular septum

Question 3

Which sequence correctly traces the flow of blood through the heart starting from the systemic veins?

Accepted Answer

Superior/inferior vena cava → right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary trunk → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium → bicuspid valve → left ventricle → aortic valve → aorta

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the cardiac skeleton is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

It provides electrical insulation between the atria and ventricles, ensuring proper timing of contractions.

Question 5

During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the ventricles fill with blood?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular diastole

Question 6

Which heart valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?

Accepted Answer

Bicuspid (mitral) valve

Question 7

A patient has a heart rate of 90 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output in liters per minute? Use the formula $$CO = HR 	imes SV.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 90 	imes 70 = 6300 mL/$$min = 6.3 L/min

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the entire systemic circuit, requiring greater force.

Question 9

Which event is represented by the QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular depolarization

Question 10

Which of the following would most likely increase cardiac output during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased force of contraction

Question 12

A blockage in the coronary sinus would directly affect which process?

Accepted Answer

Drainage of deoxygenated blood from the myocardium into the right atrium

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

They allow action potentials to conduct rapidly from one cell to the next, enabling coordinated contraction.

Question 14

Which of the following would most likely result from damage to the SA node?

Accepted Answer

The AV node would take over as pacemaker, resulting in a slower heart rate.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the pericardial fluid?

Accepted Answer

It reduces friction between the pericardial layers during heartbeats.

Question 16

A patient with a prolonged Q-T interval on their ECG may be at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of conduction problems, myocardial damage, or coronary ischemia

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling principle?

Accepted Answer

The greater the stretch of cardiac muscle cells during filling, the stronger the contraction and the greater the stroke volume.

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely occur if the chordae tendineae were damaged?

Accepted Answer

Backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria during ventricular contraction

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of regular aerobic exercise on the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Reduced blood pressure and improved ability to dissolve blood clots

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased body temperature on heart rate?

Accepted Answer

It increases heart rate by causing the SA node to discharge more rapidly.

Chapter 12: The Heart – Anatomy, Physiology, and Circulation

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