Step-by-Step Guidance for BSC 2086 – Chapter 13: The Cardiovascular System: Cardiac Function

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Q1. What are the three major components of the cardiovascular system and what is the function of each? What substances are transported by blood in the body?

Background

Topic: Structure and Function of the Cardiovascular System

This question tests your understanding of the basic anatomy of the cardiovascular system and the role of blood in transporting substances throughout the body.

Key Terms:

Cardiovascular system
Heart, blood vessels, blood
Transported substances: oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, waste products

Step-by-Step Guidance

Identify the three main components of the cardiovascular system. Think about the structures involved in circulating blood.
For each component, describe its primary function. Consider how each part contributes to overall circulation and homeostasis.
List the types of substances that blood transports. Reflect on both gases and other molecules essential for body function.
Organize your answer so that you clearly match each component with its function and provide examples of transported substances.

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Q2. Cardiovascular function is regulated by which systems and organs?

Background

Topic: Regulation of Cardiovascular Function

This question focuses on the mechanisms and organs responsible for controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular activity.

Key Terms:

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
Endocrine system
Heart, blood vessels, brain (medulla oblongata)

Step-by-Step Guidance

Recall which body systems are involved in regulating involuntary functions like heart rate and blood vessel diameter.
Identify specific organs within these systems that play a key role in cardiovascular regulation.
Think about how hormones and neural signals affect cardiovascular function.
Summarize your findings, making sure to mention both neural and hormonal regulation.

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Q3. What are the four chambers of the heart and what is the function of each?

Background

Topic: Heart Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of the internal structure of the heart and the specific roles of each chamber in circulation.

Key Terms:

Atria (right and left)
Ventricles (right and left)
Function: receiving blood, pumping blood

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the four chambers of the heart.
For each chamber, describe whether it receives or pumps blood, and to which part of the circulation (pulmonary or systemic).
Organize your answer so that each chamber is paired with its function.

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Q4. What is the difference between the right side and left side of the heart?

Background

Topic: Heart Function and Circulation

This question examines your understanding of how the heart separates pulmonary and systemic circulation.

Key Terms:

Pulmonary circulation (right side)
Systemic circulation (left side)
Oxygenation status of blood

Step-by-Step Guidance

Identify which side of the heart handles oxygen-poor blood and which handles oxygen-rich blood.
Describe the destination of blood pumped by each side (lungs vs. body).
Explain why this separation is important for efficient circulation.

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Q5. What is the septum and what are the interatrial and interventricular septa?

Background

Topic: Heart Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of the internal walls that separate the chambers of the heart.

Key Terms:

Septum
Interatrial septum
Interventricular septum

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define what a septum is in the context of the heart.
Distinguish between the interatrial and interventricular septa.
Explain the function of these septa in maintaining separation between chambers.

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Q6. What is meant by a closed circulatory system?

Background

Topic: Circulatory System Types

This question tests your understanding of how blood is contained and circulated in vertebrates.

Key Terms:

Closed circulatory system
Open circulatory system

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define what a closed circulatory system is.
Contrast it with an open circulatory system.
Explain the advantages of a closed system for mammals.

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Q7. What are the base and apex of the heart? Why is ventricular muscle thicker than atrial muscle? Why is the left ventricle thicker than the right ventricle?

Background

Topic: Heart Anatomy and Physiology

This question tests your knowledge of heart structure and the functional reasons for differences in muscle thickness.

Key Terms:

Base and apex
Ventricular vs. atrial muscle
Left vs. right ventricle

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the base and apex of the heart.
Compare the thickness of ventricular and atrial muscle, considering their functions.
Explain why the left ventricle is thicker than the right, based on the circulatory routes each serves.

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Q8. What are arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins and how do they differ? Why are capillaries the primary site of exchange in the body?

Background

Topic: Blood Vessel Types and Function

This question tests your understanding of the different types of blood vessels and their roles in circulation.

Key Terms:

Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins
Exchange of substances

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define each type of blood vessel and describe its function.
Compare their structural differences (wall thickness, lumen size, etc.).
Explain why capillaries are uniquely suited for exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

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Q9. What are the four major components of blood and what is the function of each?

Background

Topic: Blood Composition

This question tests your knowledge of the cellular and non-cellular components of blood and their functions.

Key Terms:

Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the four major components of blood.
Describe the function of each component.
Organize your answer so that each component is paired with its function.

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Q10. Trace the complete pathway of blood through the heart, lungs, and body in order.

Background

Topic: Circulatory Pathways

This question tests your ability to follow the flow of blood through the heart, lungs, and systemic circulation.

Key Terms:

Pulmonary and systemic circulation
Heart chambers, valves, vessels

Step-by-Step Guidance

Start with deoxygenated blood entering the heart.
Follow the path through the right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary arteries, lungs, pulmonary veins, left atrium, left ventricle, and out to the body.
List each step in order, including the valves and vessels involved.

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Q11. What is the difference between pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation?

Background

Topic: Circulatory System Types

This question tests your understanding of the two main circuits of blood flow in the body.

Key Terms:

Pulmonary circulation
Systemic circulation

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define pulmonary circulation and its function.
Define systemic circulation and its function.
Compare the two in terms of destination and oxygenation status of blood.

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Q12. How does oxygenation change in pulmonary capillaries compared to systemic capillaries?

Background

Topic: Gas Exchange in Capillaries

This question tests your understanding of how blood oxygen levels change in different parts of the circulation.

Key Terms:

Oxygenation
Pulmonary capillaries
Systemic capillaries

Step-by-Step Guidance

Describe what happens to blood oxygen levels in pulmonary capillaries.
Describe what happens to blood oxygen levels in systemic capillaries.
Explain the direction of gas exchange in each location.

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Q13. What is series flow and what is parallel flow in circulation? What are the advantages of parallel blood flow?

Background

Topic: Circulatory Flow Patterns

This question tests your understanding of how blood flows through organs and tissues.

Key Terms:

Series flow
Parallel flow
Advantages: efficient distribution, independent regulation

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define series flow and parallel flow in the context of circulation.
Describe how parallel flow allows for independent regulation of blood to different organs.
List advantages of parallel flow for the body.

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Q14. What is portal circulation and where does it occur?

Background

Topic: Specialized Circulatory Routes

This question tests your knowledge of unique circulatory pathways, such as the hepatic portal system.

Key Terms:

Portal circulation
Hepatic portal system

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define portal circulation.
Identify where portal circulation occurs in the body.
Explain the significance of portal circulation for nutrient processing.

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Q15. What is coronary circulation and why is it important?

Background

Topic: Heart Blood Supply

This question tests your understanding of how the heart receives its own blood supply.

Key Terms:

Coronary circulation
Coronary arteries and veins

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define coronary circulation.
Explain why the heart needs its own blood supply.
Describe what happens if coronary circulation is blocked.

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Q16. Where is the heart located in the body? What are the three layers of the heart wall and their functions?

Background

Topic: Heart Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of the heart's location and the structure of its wall.

Key Terms:

Mediastinum
Epicardium, myocardium, endocardium

Step-by-Step Guidance

Describe the anatomical location of the heart.
List the three layers of the heart wall.
Explain the function of each layer.

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Q17. What is the pericardium and what is the role of pericardial fluid? What is pericarditis?

Background

Topic: Heart Coverings

This question tests your understanding of the protective structures around the heart.

Key Terms:

Pericardium
Pericardial fluid
Pericarditis

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the pericardium and its layers.
Describe the function of pericardial fluid.
Explain what pericarditis is and its effects.

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Q18. What are the four heart valves and where is each located? How do pressure gradients control the opening and closing of heart valves?

Background

Topic: Heart Valves and Blood Flow

This question tests your knowledge of heart valve anatomy and the mechanism of their function.

Key Terms:

Atrioventricular valves (AV valves)
Semilunar valves
Pressure gradients

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the four heart valves and their locations.
Describe how pressure differences across the valves cause them to open or close.
Explain why proper valve function is essential for unidirectional blood flow.

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Q19. What is the normal direction of blood flow through the heart?

Background

Topic: Blood Flow Pathways

This question tests your understanding of the sequence of blood movement through the heart chambers and valves.

Key Terms:

Blood flow direction
Heart chambers and valves

Step-by-Step Guidance

Recall the sequence of blood flow through the heart, starting with venous return.
List the order of chambers and valves blood passes through.
Ensure you understand how valves prevent backflow.

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Q20. What is the difference between atrioventricular valves and semilunar valves?

Background

Topic: Heart Valve Types

This question tests your knowledge of the structure and function of different heart valves.

Key Terms:

Atrioventricular (AV) valves
Semilunar valves

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define AV valves and their location.
Define semilunar valves and their location.
Compare their structure and function.

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Q21. What is autorhythmicity and what does myogenic control mean?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Muscle Physiology

This question tests your understanding of how the heart generates its own rhythm and the concept of myogenic control.

Key Terms:

Autorhythmicity
Myogenic control

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define autorhythmicity in cardiac muscle.
Explain what myogenic control means.
Describe how these properties allow the heart to beat independently of neural input.

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Q22. What are pacemaker cells and conduction fibers? Where are the SA node and AV node located and what are their functions? Why is the SA node considered the pacemaker of the heart?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Conduction System

This question tests your knowledge of specialized cells and structures that control heart rhythm.

Key Terms:

Pacemaker cells
Conduction fibers
SA node, AV node

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define pacemaker cells and conduction fibers.
Identify the locations of the SA node and AV node.
Explain the functions of each node and why the SA node is the primary pacemaker.

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Q23. List the conduction pathway of the heart in order. What is the purpose of the AV nodal delay?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Conduction Pathway

This question tests your understanding of the sequence of electrical events in the heart and the significance of the AV nodal delay.

Key Terms:

Conduction pathway
AV nodal delay

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the structures involved in the conduction pathway in order.
Describe the purpose of the AV nodal delay.
Explain how the delay affects the timing of atrial and ventricular contraction.

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Q24. What are gap junctions and intercalated discs and why are they important in cardiac muscle?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Muscle Structure

This question tests your understanding of the cellular connections that allow coordinated contraction of the heart.

Key Terms:

Gap junctions
Intercalated discs

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define gap junctions and intercalated discs.
Explain their role in electrical and mechanical coupling of cardiac cells.
Describe why these structures are essential for synchronized heart contractions.

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Q25. Why do the atria contract before the ventricles?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Conduction and Timing

This question tests your understanding of the sequence of heart muscle contraction and its physiological basis.

Key Terms:

Conduction pathway
AV nodal delay

Step-by-Step Guidance

Recall the conduction pathway and how electrical signals travel through the heart.
Explain the role of the AV nodal delay in timing atrial and ventricular contraction.
Describe the functional importance of this sequence for efficient blood flow.

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Q26. What is the cardiac cycle? What is the difference between systole and diastole?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Cycle Phases

This question tests your understanding of the repeating sequence of heart contraction and relaxation.

Key Terms:

Cardiac cycle
Systole
Diastole

Step-by-Step Guidance

Define the cardiac cycle.
Describe systole and diastole and their roles in the cycle.
Compare the two phases in terms of muscle activity and blood movement.

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Q27. What are the four phases of the cardiac cycle? What happens during these four phases?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Cycle Phases

This question tests your knowledge of the detailed events in each phase of the cardiac cycle.

Key Terms:

Ventricular filling, isovolumetric contraction, ventricular ejection, isovolumetric relaxation

Step-by-Step Guidance

List the four phases of the cardiac cycle.
Describe what happens in each phase regarding chamber pressures, valve positions, and blood movement.
Organize your answer to clearly explain the sequence and events in each phase.

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Q28. How do valve positions change during each phase of the cardiac cycle?

Background

Topic: Valve Function in Cardiac Cycle

This question tests your understanding of how heart valves open and close during the cardiac cycle.

Key Terms:

AV valves, semilunar valves
Cardiac cycle phases

Step-by-Step Guidance

Recall the four phases of the cardiac cycle.
For each phase, describe which valves are open and which are closed.
Explain how pressure changes drive valve movement.

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Q29. How do atrial and ventricular pressures change during the cardiac cycle?

Background

Topic: Pressure Changes in Cardiac Cycle

This question tests your understanding of the dynamic changes in chamber pressures during heart contraction and relaxation.

Key Terms:

Atrial pressure
Ventricular pressure
Cardiac cycle phases

Step-by-Step Guidance

Recall the sequence of the cardiac cycle.
Describe how atrial and ventricular pressures change during each phase.
Explain how these pressure changes affect valve movement and blood flow.

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Q30. Why is diastole longer than systole and why is this important? Why does the heart need time to relax between contractions?

Background

Topic: Cardiac Cycle Timing

This question tests your understanding of the physiological importance of relaxation in the cardiac cycle.

Key Terms:

Diastole
Systole
Heart relaxation

Step-by-Step Guidance

Compare the duration of diastole and systole in the cardiac cycle.
Explain why diastole is longer and its importance for heart function.
Describe the consequences of insufficient relaxation time for the heart and circulation.