Q: A patient’s heart rate is 80 beats per minute and their stroke volume is 70 mL per beat. What is their cardiac output?

$$CO = 80 \times 70 = 5600$$ \text{ mL/min} = 5.6 \text{ L/min}$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Which heart chamber receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins?

Accepted Answer

Left atrium

Question 3

Which of the following correctly matches a heart valve with its function and location?

Accepted Answer

The mitral (bicuspid) valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

Question 4

Which layer of the heart wall is primarily responsible for the contractile force that pumps blood, and what tissue composes it?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium; composed of cardiac muscle tissue

Question 5

Which sequence correctly lists the components of the heart’s intrinsic conducting system in the order that an action potential travels?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node → Atrioventricular (AV) node → AV bundle (Bundle of His) → Right and left bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 6

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are all four heart valves closed, and what is the physiological significance of this phase?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumetric contraction; this phase allows pressure to build in the ventricles without a change in blood volume.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle generates higher pressure than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle must pump blood through the systemic circulation, which has higher resistance than the pulmonary circulation.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 9

A patient’s heart rate is 80 beats per minute and their stroke volume is 70 mL per beat. What is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of papillary muscles during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

They contract to prevent the atrioventricular valves from inverting into the atria, ensuring one-way blood flow.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about the pericardium is correct?

Accepted Answer

The pericardium consists of a fibrous outer layer and a serous inner layer that reduces friction as the heart beats.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between the action potential of a pacemaker cell and a cardiomyocyte?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker cells have spontaneous depolarization due to $$Na^+$$ and $$Ca^{2+}$$ influx, while cardiomyocytes require external stimulation and have a plateau phase due to $$Ca^{2+}$$ influx.

Question 13

Which part of a normal EKG tracing corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex

Question 14

What causes the first heart sound ("lub") heard during auscultation?

Accepted Answer

Closure of the atrioventricular (mitral and tricuspid) valves at the beginning of ventricular systole

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

It increases heart rate and stroke volume by releasing norepinephrine, which acts on beta-adrenergic receptors.

Question 16

Which hormone acts as a positive chronotropic and inotropic agent, increasing both heart rate and contractility?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 17

During which phase of the cardiac cycle does ventricular ejection occur, and which valves are open?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular ejection; semilunar valves are open, atrioventricular valves are closed.

Question 18

Which of the following best defines stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

The volume of blood ejected by one ventricle during each contraction

Question 19

Which of the following scenarios would most likely increase cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

Increased sympathetic stimulation and increased venous return

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the pathway of blood through the pulmonary circulation?

Accepted Answer

Right ventricle → Pulmonary trunk → Pulmonary arteries → Lungs → Pulmonary veins → Left atrium

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