Question 1

Which of the following correctly describes the function of the pulmonary circuit in the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the lungs to remove CO$$_2$$ and pick up O$$_2.$$

Question 2

A patient presents with thoracic pain due to a fleeting deficiency in blood delivery to the myocardium. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Angina pectoris

Question 3

Which structure anchors the cusps of the atrioventricular (AV) valves to the papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae

Question 4

During the cardiac cycle, which phase is characterized by the ventricles being totally closed chambers and no blood entering or leaving them?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumetric relaxation

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricle has thicker walls than the right ventricle?

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the systemic circuit, which requires greater pressure.

Question 6

A patient’s ECG shows an elevated ST segment. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac ischemia

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a function of the fibrous pericardium?

Accepted Answer

Producing serous fluid to reduce friction

Question 9

If the AV node is defective and only a few impulses reach the ventricles, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

The ventricles beat at a rate too slow to maintain adequate circulation.

Question 10

Which of the following correctly matches the ECG wave with its corresponding electrical event?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex: ventricular depolarization and atrial repolarization

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

They allow ions to pass from cell to cell, electrically coupling adjacent cells.

Question 12

A patient is experiencing rapid, irregular contractions that render the heart useless for pumping blood. What is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Defibrillation

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the coronary circulation?

Accepted Answer

It is the functional blood supply to the heart muscle itself.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the effect of acetylcholine on pacemaker cells?

Accepted Answer

It hyperpolarizes pacemaker cells by opening K$$^+$$ channels, decreasing heart rate.

Question 15

During ventricular systole, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

AV valves close

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of a defective semilunar valve?

Accepted Answer

Blood backflows from major arteries into ventricles.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the sequence of excitation in the intrinsic conduction system?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → AV bundle → bundle branches → Purkinje fibers

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between stroke volume ($$SV$$), end-diastolic volume ($$EDV$$), and end-systolic volume ($$ESV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = EDV - ESV$$

Question 19

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cardiac muscle cells that allows the heart to function as a single coordinated unit?

Accepted Answer

Presence of intercalated discs containing gap junctions

Question 20

A trained athlete is likely to have which of the following compared to a non-athlete?

Accepted Answer

Lower resting heart rate

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Comprehensive Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards