Question 1

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the forceful contraction that pumps blood throughout the body?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 2

During ventricular systole, which valves are open and which are closed?

Accepted Answer

AV valves closed, SL valves open

Question 3

A patient with pericarditis is likely to experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Sharp pain over the sternum and a creaking sound heard with a stethoscope

Question 4

Which equation correctly calculates stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

$SV = EDV - ESV$

Question 5

If the left ventricle myocardium is much thicker than the right, what is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle pumps blood through a longer, higher-resistance systemic circuit

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the function of the chordae tendineae?

Accepted Answer

They anchor the AV valve flaps to the papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse during ventricular contraction

Question 7

Which of the following would most likely increase afterload?

Accepted Answer

High blood pressure in the aorta

Question 8

A patient is diagnosed with cardiac tamponade. What is the immediate danger?

Accepted Answer

Compression of the heart by excess fluid in the pericardial cavity, interfering with normal beating

Question 9

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the conduction pathway of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The AV node delays the impulse, allowing the atria to finish contracting before the ventricles contract

Question 10

Which ion is most directly responsible for depolarization in pacemaker cells?

Accepted Answer

Ca2+

Question 11

Which equation correctly calculates cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$CO = HR 	imes SV$

Question 12

Which of the following would be a positive inotropic agent?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 13

Which of the following is a consequence of mitral valve prolapse?

Accepted Answer

Backflow of blood into the left atrium during ventricular contraction

Question 14

Which phase of the cardiac cycle is described by: 'The atria are relaxed and the ventricles are contracting. Blood is leaving the heart through open SL valves'?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular ejection

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Reducing friction between the heart and pericardial sac

Question 16

Which of the following would most likely result from a blockage in the left coronary artery?

Accepted Answer

Death of cardiac muscle cells in the left ventricle

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE about the endocardium?

Accepted Answer

It lines the chambers and valves of the heart, reducing friction between blood and the heart wall

Question 18

Which of the following would most likely cause bradycardia?

Accepted Answer

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 19

Mary’s heart rate is 60 BPM. Her ESV is 20 mL and her EDV is 70 mL. What is her cardiac output (CO) and ejection fraction?

Accepted Answer

$CO = 60 	imes (70 - 20) = 3000\, 	ext{mL/min};\ 	ext{Ejection fraction} = \frac{50}{70} 	imes 100 \approx 71\%$

Question 20

Which of the following is a similarity between AV and SL valves?

Accepted Answer

Both prevent backflow of blood

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

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