Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of elastic (conducting) arteries in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

They act as pressure reservoirs, expanding and recoiling as blood is ejected from the heart.

Question 2

Which layer of a blood vessel is primarily responsible for vasoconstriction and vasodilation?

Accepted Answer

Tunica media

Question 3

A patient presents with swelling in the lower limbs due to inefficient venous return. Which adaptation of veins is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Valves preventing backflow of blood

Question 4

Which type of capillary is most abundant in the skin and muscles and forms the blood-brain barrier?

Accepted Answer

Continuous capillary

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between blood flow (F), pressure gradient (ΔP), and resistance (R)?

Accepted Answer

$$F = \frac{\Delta P}{R}$$

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Resistance becomes 1/16 as much

Question 7

Which of the following is a major determinant of peripheral resistance in the systemic circulation?

Accepted Answer

Small-diameter arterioles

Question 8

A patient has a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg. What is their mean arterial pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 80 + \frac{40}{3} = 93\ mmHg$$

Question 9

Which hormone causes a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure by promoting vasodilation?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why capillary blood pressure is low compared to arterial pressure?

Accepted Answer

High pressure would rupture fragile, thin-walled capillaries

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct formula for Net Filtration Pressure (NFP) in a capillary bed?

Accepted Answer

$$NFP = (HP_c - HP_{if}) - (OP_c - OP_{if})$$

Question 12

Which of the following scenarios would most likely result in hypovolemic shock?

Accepted Answer

Severe blood loss from a traumatic injury

Question 13

Which of the following is a function of the precapillary sphincters in capillary beds?

Accepted Answer

Regulating blood flow into true capillaries

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

It causes vasoconstriction, increasing peripheral resistance and blood pressure.

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased carbon dioxide detected by chemoreceptors?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood pressure via stimulation of the vasomotor center

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the pulmonary circuit compared to the systemic circuit?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary arteries have lower pressure and resistance than systemic arteries.

Question 17

Which of the following would most likely cause an increase in capillary hydrostatic pressure (HPc)?

Accepted Answer

Increased arterial blood pressure

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of sinusoidal capillaries?

Accepted Answer

They allow large molecules and blood cells to pass between blood and tissues.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Capillaries have the greatest total cross-sectional area.

Question 20

A patient with chronic hypertension is at increased risk for which of the following complications?

Accepted Answer

Stroke (CVA), heart failure, and renal failure

The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels

Study Guide - Practice Questions