$\text{SV} = \text{EDV} - \text{ESV}$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the systemic circuit in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It delivers oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all body tissues and returns oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for collecting interstitial fluid and returning it to the circulatory system?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic vessels

Question 3

What is the primary anatomical feature that allows cardiac muscle cells to contract in a coordinated manner?

Accepted Answer

Gap junctions within intercalated discs

Question 4

During the cardiac action potential, which ion is primarily responsible for the plateau phase?

Accepted Answer

Ca$^{2+}$ (calcium)

Question 5

Which formula correctly calculates stroke volume (SV) in the heart?

Accepted Answer

$	ext{SV} = 	ext{EDV} - 	ext{ESV}$

Question 6

A patient with a ventricular septal defect will most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Blood mixing between the left and right ventricles

Question 7

Which layer of the heart is directly responsible for contraction?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 8

Which of the following best explains Starling’s Law of the Heart?

Accepted Answer

The force of contraction increases as the heart fills, due to better overlap of contractile proteins.

Question 9

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic stimulation on cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Increase in myosin crossbridge cycling

Question 10

Which heart valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium?

Accepted Answer

Mitral (bicuspid) valve

Question 11

During ventricular systole, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumetric contraction

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of the coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

They supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of a stenotic heart valve?

Accepted Answer

Turbulent flow and heart murmur

Question 14

Which segment of the ECG represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization?

Accepted Answer

ST segment

Question 15

If the PR interval is prolonged on an ECG, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Delayed depolarization between atria and ventricles

Question 16

Which of the following is true regarding the fetal circulation?

Accepted Answer

The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary trunk to the aorta.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate (bradycardia).

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of coarctation of the aorta?

Accepted Answer

Increased workload on the left ventricle

Question 19

Which anatomical feature distinguishes the left ventricle from the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle has a thicker wall to generate higher pressure.

Question 20

Which of the following is a direct effect of increased venous return on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increase in end diastolic volume (EDV)

The Cardiovascular System: General Circulation and the Heart

Study Guide - Practice Questions