Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of precapillary sphincters in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

They control the flow of blood from arterioles into capillaries, allowing fine-tuning of local blood supply.

Question 2

A patient presents with sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. An angiogram reveals a blockage in a coronary artery. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Angina

Question 3

Which of the following statements about arteries is correct?

Accepted Answer

Arteries carry blood away from the heart and have thick walls composed of three layers.

Question 4

During the cardiac cycle, which event corresponds to the 'lub' sound heard in a healthy heart?

Accepted Answer

Closing of both atrioventricular (AV) valves during ventricular systole

Question 5

A patient’s blood pressure is measured at 145/95 mm Hg. According to the American Heart Association, which condition does this reading indicate?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension

Question 6

Which of the following mechanisms assists in the return of blood to the heart through veins?

Accepted Answer

One-way valves, skeletal muscle contraction, and pressure changes from breathing

Question 7

Which equation correctly represents cardiac output ($$CO) in $$terms of heart rate ($$HR) $$and stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 8

A patient suffers from congestive heart failure. Which of the following symptoms is most directly caused by the backup of fluid in interstitial spaces?

Accepted Answer

Swollen ankles, legs, and neck veins

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why blood pressure is highest in arteries and lowest in veins?

Accepted Answer

Arteries have thicker walls and are closer to the heart’s pumping action, while veins are farther from the heart and have thinner walls.

Question 10

Which of the following hormones increases heart rate and force of contraction in response to stress?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 11

A patient experiences dizziness upon standing up quickly. Which condition is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension

Question 12

Which of the following is a major function of the lymphatic system in relation to the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It maintains blood volume by returning excess interstitial fluid to the circulatory system.

Question 13

Which structure initiates the heartbeat and is known as the cardiac pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 14

A patient is diagnosed with atherosclerosis. Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Regular moderate exercise

Question 15

Which of the following equations correctly represents mean arterial pressure ($$MAP) $$given systolic ($$SP) $$and diastolic ($$DP) $$pressures?

Accepted Answer

$$MAP = DP + \frac{1}{3}(SP - DP)$$

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the negative feedback mechanism involving baroreceptors when blood pressure rises?

Accepted Answer

Baroreceptors increase their firing rate, leading to decreased heart rate and force of contraction, and reduced vascular resistance.

Question 17

Which of the following is a direct consequence of a ruptured cerebral artery?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Question 18

A patient is found to have a ballooning defect in the wall of an artery that is symptomless until rupture. What is the name of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Aneurism

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why deoxygenated blood never mixes with oxygenated blood in the heart?

Accepted Answer

The septum separates the right and left sides of the heart, keeping the two types of blood apart.

Question 20

During heavy exercise, a trained athlete’s cardiac output can reach up to 35 liters per minute. If their heart rate is 175 beats per minute, what is their stroke volume ($$SV$$)? Use the equation $$CO = HR 	imes SV.$$

Accepted Answer

$$SV = \frac{35,000}{175} = 200 ml/$$beat

The Cardiovascular System: Structure, Function, and Disorders

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