Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as a sac-like structure that surrounds and protects the heart, reducing friction during heartbeats.

Question 2

A patient presents with cardiac tamponade. Which of the following best explains the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

Excess accumulation of pericardial fluid compresses the heart, impairing its ability to pump blood.

Question 3

Which layer of the heart wall is primarily responsible for the contractile force of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 4

Cardiac muscle cells are interconnected by intercalated discs. What is the main functional advantage of these structures?

Accepted Answer

They enable rapid transmission of action potentials, allowing the heart to contract as a functional syncytium.

Question 5

During ventricular contraction, which heart valves are open and which are closed?

Accepted Answer

AV valves are closed; semilunar valves are open.

Question 6

Which chamber of the heart has the thickest wall, and why?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle, because it must generate high pressure to pump blood through the systemic circuit.

Question 7

A patient with a prolapsed mitral valve is likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Regurgitation of blood into the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

Question 8

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output ($CO$)?

Accepted Answer

$CO = HR 	imes SV$

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with arteriosclerosis. Which of the following is a direct consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Thickening and toughening of arterial walls, leading to reduced blood flow.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the difference between the pulmonary and systemic circuits?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary circuit carries blood between the heart and lungs; systemic circuit carries blood between the heart and the rest of the body.

Question 11

Which of the following is a common treatment for atherosclerosis that involves compressing plaque against the vessel wall?

Accepted Answer

Balloon angioplasty

Question 12

If the semilunar valve on the right side of the heart is damaged, which vessel's blood flow will be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary trunk

Question 13

Which of the following factors does NOT increase the risk of arteriosclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Low blood pressure

Question 14

Which of the following statements about coronary circulation is correct?

Accepted Answer

Coronary arteries supply the myocardium with oxygen and nutrients, and arise from the ascending aorta.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to circulate blood throughout the entire body.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the cardiac skeleton?

Accepted Answer

It electrically isolates the atria from the ventricles.

Question 17

A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Reduced blood flow to the myocardium due to partial or complete blockage of coronary arteries.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of Ca$^{2+}$ ions in cardiac muscle action potentials?

Accepted Answer

They prolong the depolarization phase, allowing sustained contraction.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct sequence of blood flow through the heart starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary trunk → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Aorta

Question 20

Which of the following would most likely be seen in a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) scan of a patient with advanced coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Severely restricted blood flow in major branches of the coronary arteries.

Chapter 18: The Heart and Cardiovascular Function – Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions