Question 1

Which anatomical region is the heart located in, as shown in the cross-sectional image of the thorax?

Accepted Answer

Mediastinum

Question 2

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), why is the sternum used as the site for chest compressions?

Accepted Answer

It directly overlies the heart, allowing compressions to pump blood

Question 3

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile force of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 4

A patient presents with a build-up of fluid in the pericardial cavity, compressing the heart and preventing full ventricular expansion. What is this condition called?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Question 5

Which chamber of the heart has the thickest wall, and why?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle, because it pumps blood to the systemic circulation

Question 6

Blood flows through the heart in a specific sequence. Which of the following correctly describes the path of blood starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary artery → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle must generate more pressure than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the entire body, which has higher resistance

Question 8

Which heart valves are open during ventricular systole?

Accepted Answer

Semilunar valves

Question 9

What is the main function of the coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

To supply oxygenated blood to the myocardium

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as the main pacemaker, initiating the heartbeat

Question 11

A patient has a heart rate of 75 beats/min and a stroke volume of 70 mL/beat. What is their cardiac output? Use the formula $$CO = SV 	imes HR.$$

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 5.25\ L/min$$

Question 12

According to the Frank-Starling Law of the Heart, what happens if the end-diastolic volume (EDV) increases?

Accepted Answer

Stroke volume increases

Question 13

Which of the following would cause a negative inotropic effect on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Anoxia

Question 14

If a patient has hypertension, how does this affect afterload and stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Afterload increases, stroke volume decreases

Question 15

Which vessel type is primarily responsible for regulating blood flow into capillary beds by altering their diameter?

Accepted Answer

Arterioles

Question 16

According to Poiseuille’s Law, what happens to vascular resistance if the radius of a blood vessel is halved? Use the formula $$R = \frac{8\eta l}{\pi r^4$}.$$

Accepted Answer

Resistance increases by a factor of 16

Question 17

Which pressure is primarily responsible for driving fluid out of the capillaries at the arterial end during bulk flow?

Accepted Answer

Blood hydrostatic pressure (BHP)

Question 18

A patient with severe liver failure cannot synthesize enough plasma proteins. How does this affect capillary exchange?

Accepted Answer

Decreases blood colloid osmotic pressure, decreasing reabsorption

Question 19

Which hormone causes vasodilation and promotes sodium and water excretion to lower blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the myogenic response in autoregulation of blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Vessels constrict when stretched to maintain constant flow

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart and Blood Vessels

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