Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the right side of the heart in the pulmonary circuit?

Accepted Answer

It pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs to get rid of $$CO_2$$ and pick up $$O_2.$$

Question 2

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile function of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 3

A patient suffers a blockage in the left coronary artery. Which area of the heart is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct sequence of blood flow through the heart in the pulmonary circuit?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary semilunar valve → pulmonary trunk → lungs

Question 5

Which structure anchors the atrioventricular (AV) valve cusps to the papillary muscles?

Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae

Question 6

What is the main function of the fibrous pericardium?

Accepted Answer

To protect, anchor the heart to surrounding structures, and prevent overfilling

Question 7

Which of the following statements about cardiac muscle contraction is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle cells can contract as a unit due to gap junctions.

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with fibrillation. What is the most immediate risk associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Useless rapid and irregular contractions leading to cessation of circulation and potential brain death

Question 9

Which valve prevents backflow of blood into the left ventricle during ventricular relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Aortic semilunar valve

Question 10

Which event occurs during the depolarization phase of a pacemaker cell action potential?

Accepted Answer

Influx of $$Ca^{2+}$$ through voltage-gated channels

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node?

Accepted Answer

It delays the impulse approximately 0.1 second to allow atrial contraction prior to ventricular contraction.

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct result of a prolonged coronary blockage?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow through the heart during one complete heartbeat, including atrial and ventricular systole and diastole

Question 14

Which of the following is the correct order of the heart’s intrinsic conduction system?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood into the systemic circuit, which requires more force.

Question 16

Which of the following is a function of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

Prevent backflow into the ventricles when they relax

Question 17

A patient presents with thoracic pain due to a fleeting deficiency in blood delivery to the myocardium. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Angina pectoris

Question 18

Which of the following veins empties into the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Inferior vena cava

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the papillary muscles?

Accepted Answer

They anchor the chordae tendineae, preventing valve prolapse during ventricular contraction.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct formula for calculating cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Study Guide: The Cardiovascular System – The Heart

Study Guide - Practice Questions