$$SV = EDV - ESV = 70\ \text{mL}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the anatomical position of the heart within the thoracic cavity?

Accepted Answer

It is located in the mediastinum, between the lungs, posterior to the sternum, and superior to the diaphragm.

Question 2

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile force that pumps blood?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 3

A patient presents with a narrowed mitral valve due to untreated Streptococcus infection. What is the most likely consequence of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Increased pressure in the left atrium and pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the heart is considered a double pump?

Accepted Answer

It pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs and oxygenated blood to the systemic circulation in two separate circuits.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 6

A patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 130 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 60 mL. What is the stroke volume ($$SV) $$for this patient?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = EDV - ESV = 70\ 	ext{mL}$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about the cardiac conduction system is correct?

Accepted Answer

The sinoatrial (SA) node acts as the pacemaker, generating action potentials that set the heart rate.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

It provides electrical insulation between the atria and ventricles and supports the heart valves.

Question 9

A patient with left ventricular failure is most likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary edema and shortness of breath

Question 10

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the stretch of the ventricular walls during filling, the more forceful the contraction.

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

Which of the following best describes the role of the coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

They supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium.

Question 13

A patient has a heart rate of 80 bpm and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is the cardiac output ($$CO) in $$liters per minute?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 70 = 5600\ 	ext{mL/min} = 5.6\ 	ext{L/min}$$

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct sequence of blood flow through the heart and lungs?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary trunk → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the atrioventricular valves from inverting into the atria during ventricular contraction.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

The long absolute refractory period in cardiac muscle prevents tetanus.

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct result of a myocardial infarction (MI)?

Accepted Answer

Death of myocardial tissue due to interruption of blood flow

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased afterload on cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Increased afterload decreases stroke volume and cardiac output.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the P wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Accepted Answer

It represents atrial depolarization.

Comprehensive Study Notes: Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart

Study Guide - Practice Questions