Q: If a patient’s heart rate is 90 beats per minute and their stroke volume is 60 mL/beat, what is their cardiac output?

$$CO = 90 \times 60 = 5400\ \text{mL/min}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the fibrous pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It anchors the heart to surrounding structures and prevents overexpansion.

Question 2

A patient presents with fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity, restricting heart movement. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Question 3

Which sequence correctly traces the path of blood through the heart, starting at the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right AV valve → right ventricle → pulmonary semilunar valve → pulmonary trunk → pulmonary veins → left atrium → left AV valve → left ventricle → aortic semilunar valve → aorta

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Bicuspid (mitral) valve

Question 5

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are the atrioventricular (AV) valves open and the semilunar valves closed?

Accepted Answer

Atrial diastole

Question 6

A blockage in the left anterior descending (LAD) artery would most directly affect which part of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle

Question 7

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 8

If a patient’s heart rate is 90 beats per minute and their stroke volume is 60 mL/beat, what is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 90 	imes 60 = 5400\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 9

Which of the following best explains Starling’s law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The more the cardiac muscle is stretched by incoming blood, the stronger the contraction.

Question 10

Which vessel type has the thickest tunica media and why?

Accepted Answer

Arteries, to withstand and regulate high pressure from the heart.

Question 11

A patient is diagnosed with hypertension. Which of the following blood pressure readings would support this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

145 / 95 mm Hg

Question 12

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation on blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It drains deoxygenated blood from the myocardium into the right atrium.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about capillary exchange is correct?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen and nutrients move from the blood into tissue cells, while carbon dioxide and wastes move from tissue cells into the blood.

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 to the entire body through the systemic circuit.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct formula for blood pressure (BP) in terms of cardiac output (CO) and peripheral resistance (PR)?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes PR$$

Question 17

A patient has a blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg. Which value represents the pressure in the arteries during ventricular relaxation?

Accepted Answer

85 mm Hg

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely cause an increase in stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Increased preload (stretch of cardiac muscle)

Question 19

Which of the following is a real-life consequence of a sudden and complete occlusion of a coronary artery?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial infarction

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

It serves as the heart’s pacemaker, initiating each heartbeat.

The Cardiovascular System: Structure and Function

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