Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It protects the heart, anchors it to surrounding structures, and prevents overfilling.

Question 2

A patient presents with a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and a history of myocardial infarction. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the arrhythmia?

Accepted Answer

Formation of noncontractile scar tissue disrupting the conduction system

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 4

During ventricular systole, which heart valves are open?

Accepted Answer

Semilunar (SL) valves

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The more the heart is stretched during filling, the greater the force of contraction.

Question 6

A patient with chronic hypertension is at risk for which of the following cardiac changes?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular hypertrophy followed by heart failure

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that a cardiac action potential travels through the intrinsic conduction system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following would most likely increase stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

Increased contractility due to sympathetic stimulation

Question 9

A patient is diagnosed with a ventricular septal defect. Which of the following best describes the physiological consequence?

Accepted Answer

Blood is shunted from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, increasing pulmonary blood flow.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the effect of increased extracellular potassium ($$[K^+]) on $$cardiac contractility?

Accepted Answer

It decreases contractility by depolarizing cardiac cells and potentially arresting the heart.

Question 11

Which of the following is a direct result of left-sided heart failure?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary congestion and edema

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the heart cannot undergo tetanus like skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

The heart has a long absolute refractory period, preventing summation of contractions.

Question 13

Which of the following would most likely cause a decrease in end diastolic volume (EDV)?

Accepted Answer

Decreased blood volume

Question 14

Which of the following is the primary pacemaker of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 15

A patient with aortic valve stenosis is likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Increased workload on the left ventricle

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate and contractility

Question 17

Which of the following is a characteristic of cardiac muscle cells but NOT skeletal muscle cells?

Accepted Answer

Presence of intercalated discs with gap junctions

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the effect of a positive inotropic agent?

Accepted Answer

It increases the force of contraction at a given preload.

Question 19

Which of the following congenital heart defects is characterized by a narrowed aorta, increasing the workload of the left ventricle?

Accepted Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why ventricular fibrillation is life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

It results in loss of effective pumping, leading to no cardiac output.

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Structure, Function, and Regulation

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