Q: A patient has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output? Use the formula $$CO = HR \times SV.$$

$$CO = 80 \times 70 = 5600\,\text{mL/min}$$

Q: A patient has an EDV of 120 mL and an ESV of 50 mL. What is their stroke volume? Use the formula $$SV = EDV - ESV.$$

$$SV = 120 - 50 = 70\,\text{mL}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium and the serous fluid within the pericardial cavity?

Accepted Answer

To reduce friction between the heart and surrounding structures during contraction

Question 2

Which structure is responsible for initiating the action potential that triggers the heartbeat, and why is it referred to as the pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node, because it has the fastest rate of spontaneous depolarization

Question 3

During the cardiac cycle, what causes the 'lup' and 'dub' heart sounds?

Accepted Answer

Closing of the AV valves ('lup') and closing of the semilunar valves ('dub')

Question 4

A patient has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output? Use the formula $$CO = HR 	imes SV.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 70 = 5600\,	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains the Frank-Starling Law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The greater the preload (EDV), the greater the force of contraction and stroke volume

Question 6

Which of the following is a positive inotropic agent, and what effect does it have on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine; increases contractility

Question 7

Which of the following correctly matches the type of blood carried by the right and left chambers of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Right chambers: deoxygenated; Left chambers: oxygenated

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

To deliver nutrients and remove wastes from the heart muscle

Question 9

Which equation correctly calculates stroke volume (SV) given end diastolic volume (EDV) and end systolic volume (ESV)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = EDV - ESV$$

Question 10

A patient has an EDV of 120 mL and an ESV of 50 mL. What is their stroke volume? Use the formula $$SV = EDV - ESV.$$

Accepted Answer

$$SV = 120 - 50 = 70\,	ext{mL}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between pressure gradient and blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow increases as the pressure gradient increases

Question 12

Which factor has the greatest effect on peripheral resistance in blood vessels, and why?

Accepted Answer

Vessel radius, because resistance is inversely proportional to the fourth power of radius ($$R \propto \frac{1}{r^4$})$$

Question 13

Which of the following correctly describes the function of venous valves?

Accepted Answer

They prevent backflow of blood in veins, especially in the limbs

Question 14

Which equation is used to calculate Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) given systolic and diastolic pressures?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 	ext{Diastolic Pressure} + \frac{1}{3}(	ext{Systolic Pressure} - 	ext{Diastolic Pressure})$$

Question 15

A patient has a systolic pressure of 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg. What is their MAP? Use the formula $$MAP = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(120 - 80).$$

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(40) = 80 + 13.33 = 93.33\,	ext{mmHg}$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the exchange function of capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Capillaries allow for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the bulk flow equation for Net Filtration Pressure (NFP) across a capillary wall?

Accepted Answer

$$NFP = (HP_{blood} - HP_{interstitial}) - (COP_{blood} - COP_{interstitial})$$

Question 18

Which hormone increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction and stimulating aldosterone release?

Accepted Answer

Angiotensin II

Question 19

During exercise, what happens to blood flow in the skin and skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow to the skin and skeletal muscle increases to support thermoregulation and oxygen delivery

The Cardiovascular System: Heart and Blood Vessels – Comprehensive Study Notes

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