Question 1

Which layer of a blood vessel wall is primarily responsible for controlling vessel diameter and thus regulating blood flow and blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Tunica media

Question 2

A patient presents with severe hypertension. Which of the following changes in blood vessel properties would most likely contribute to increased peripheral resistance and thus higher blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood viscosity

Question 3

Which equation best represents the calculation of Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) given a systolic pressure of $120\ mm\ Hg$ and a diastolic pressure of $80\ mm\ Hg$?

Accepted Answer

$MAP = Diastolic + \frac{1}{3}(Systolic - Diastolic)$

Question 4

During vigorous exercise, blood flow to skeletal muscle increases dramatically. Which mechanism is primarily responsible for this increase?

Accepted Answer

Stepwise vasodilation of terminal arterioles and feed arteries

Question 5

Which of the following is a major function of the capillaries in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues

Question 6

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the formation of plaques in which layer of the arterial wall?

Accepted Answer

Tunica intima

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the relationship between blood flow ($F$), pressure gradient ($\Delta P$), and resistance ($R$)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following conditions would most likely result in peripheral edema due to increased capillary hydrostatic pressure?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Question 9

Which hormone is released in response to decreased blood pressure and acts to increase water retention by the kidneys?

Accepted Answer

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Question 10

A patient with chronic liver disease develops ascites. Which mechanism is most responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure

Question 11

Which of the following capillary types is most likely to be found in the liver and is specialized for the transfer of large substances?

Accepted Answer

Sinusoidal capillary

Question 12

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating the cross-sectional area ($A$) of a blood vessel with radius $r$?

Accepted Answer

$A = \pi r^2$

Question 13

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased sympathetic nervous system activity on blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction of arterioles

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with Stage 2 hypertension. Which of the following blood pressure readings would be consistent with this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Systolic 160 mm Hg, Diastolic 100 mm Hg

Question 15

Which of the following mechanisms assists venous return from the lower limbs to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle pump

Question 16

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive vasodilation, such as during anaphylactic shock?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Question 17

Which of the following arteries supplies blood to the brain and is part of the Circle of Willis?

Accepted Answer

Internal carotid artery

Question 18

Which of the following veins is commonly used for bypass grafting in coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Great saphenous vein

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Decreases blood volume and pressure

Question 20

A patient with severe protein malnutrition develops peripheral edema. Which pressure is most likely decreased in this patient, leading to edema?

Accepted Answer

Plasma colloid osmotic pressure

Chapter 18: The Cardiovascular System – Blood Vessels

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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