Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the vasa vasorum in large blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

They provide oxygen and nutrients to the outer layers of large vessel walls.

Question 2

A patient presents with swelling in the lower limbs due to incompetent venous valves. Which condition is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Varicose veins

Question 3

Which type of capillary is most likely to be found in the liver and bone marrow, and why?

Accepted Answer

Sinusoidal capillaries, because they have large gaps and incomplete basement membranes for passage of large molecules and cells.

Question 4

Which equation correctly expresses the relationship between blood flow (F), pressure gradient ($$\Delta P$$), and total peripheral resistance (TPR)?

Accepted Answer

$$F = \Delta P / TPR$$

Question 5

A patient with polycythemia (increased red blood cell count) is likely to experience which of the following changes in blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood viscosity and decreased blood flow

Question 6

If the radius of a blood vessel is reduced by half, how does the resistance to blood flow change?

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases 16 times

Question 7

Which of the following hormones would cause a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) by promoting vasodilation and increased salt and water loss?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 8

Calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP) for a patient with a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 90 + \frac{1}{3}(150-90) = 110 mm Hg$$

Question 9

Which adaptation is NOT a mechanism that assists venous return to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased capillary permeability

Question 10

A patient with severe malnutrition develops edema. Which of the following best explains the mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Decreased capillary colloid osmotic pressure due to low plasma protein levels

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the effect of arteriolar vasodilation on capillary blood flow?

Accepted Answer

It increases blood flow through the capillary bed.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the pulmonary circuit compared to the systemic circuit?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary arteries carry oxygen-poor blood, while systemic arteries carry oxygen-rich blood.

Question 13

Which of the following is the primary determinant of total peripheral resistance (TPR) in the short term?

Accepted Answer

Blood vessel diameter

Question 14

A patient is experiencing circulatory shock due to a severe allergic reaction. Which type of shock is this?

Accepted Answer

Anaphylactic (vascular) shock

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why blood flow velocity is slowest in the capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Capillaries have the largest total cross-sectional area.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a function of the lymphatic system in relation to the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

Providing alternate pathways for arterial blood flow

Question 17

Which of the following equations correctly relates mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR)?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = CO 	imes TPR$$

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely result in an increase in capillary filtration and the development of edema?

Accepted Answer

Increased capillary permeability due to inflammation

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the effect of angiotensin II on blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

It increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction and stimulating aldosterone and ADH release.

Question 20

A patient with a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg has a pulse pressure of:

Accepted Answer

$$40 mm Hg$$

The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels – Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions