Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cardiovascular system (CVS)?

Accepted Answer

To transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.

Question 2

A patient has a blockage in the hepatic portal vein. Which of the following is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow from the digestive tract to the liver.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly traces the path of blood flow starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary arteries → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium

Question 4

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between blood flow ($$F$$), pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$), and resistance ($$R) in $$the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

$$F = \frac{\Delta P}{R}$$

Question 5

If the radius of a blood vessel is halved, how does this affect the resistance to blood flow, assuming all other factors remain constant? (Use Poiseuille's Law: $$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$})$$

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases by a factor of 16.

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why pressure decreases as blood moves farther from the heart?

Accepted Answer

Friction between blood and vessel walls causes energy loss.

Question 7

Which of the following factors can cause a short-term change in blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Vessel radius

Question 8

Which statement best distinguishes between blood flow rate and velocity of blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Flow rate is the volume of blood passing a point per unit time, while velocity is the distance blood travels per unit time.

Question 9

Which of the following is a unique feature of cardiac muscle cells compared to skeletal muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

They are connected by intercalated discs containing gap junctions.

Question 10

Why is it important that cardiac muscle cannot undergo tetanus?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the heart can relax and refill with blood between contractions.

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

It acts as the primary pacemaker, initiating the heartbeat.

Question 12

Which sequence correctly describes the pathway of electrical conduction through the heart?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding myocardial autorhythmic cells?

Accepted Answer

They spontaneously generate action potentials.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why cardiac contractions are considered graded?

Accepted Answer

The strength of contraction depends on the amount of calcium entering the cell.

Question 15

A patient has a mutation that slows conduction through the AV node. What is the most likely effect on the heart's function?

Accepted Answer

There will be a longer delay between atrial and ventricular contraction.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the fibrous skeleton of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Serving as the main site of action potential generation.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the difference between arteries and veins?

Accepted Answer

Arteries have thicker walls and carry blood away from the heart; veins have thinner walls and carry blood toward the heart.

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely increase blood pressure, assuming cardiac output remains constant?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing blood vessel radius

Question 19

Which of the following statements about the action potential of a myocardial contractile cell is correct?

Accepted Answer

It has a prolonged plateau phase due to calcium influx.

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why electrical signals travel faster through the heart's autorhythmic cells than through contractile cells?

Accepted Answer

Autorhythmic cells have specialized ion channels and gap junctions for rapid conduction.

Chapter 14 Cardiac Physiology Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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