Q: A patient has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL per beat. What is their cardiac output in liters per minute? (Use $$CO = HR \times SV$$ and convert mL to L as needed.)

$$CO = 80 \times 70 = 5600 mL/$$min = $$5.6 L/$$min

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It reduces friction between the heart and surrounding tissues during each heartbeat.

Question 2

A patient suffers a myocardial infarction that damages the interventricular septum. Which of the following structures is most likely to be affected in its function?

Accepted Answer

The moderator band in the right ventricle

Question 3

Which of the following statements about the cardiac skeleton is correct?

Accepted Answer

It prevents the heart from overexpanding and helps it return to its original shape after contraction.

Question 4

During ventricular contraction, which event occurs first?

Accepted Answer

The atrioventricular (AV) valves close.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

It must generate enough force to send blood throughout the entire systemic circuit.

Question 6

Which of the following is a unique feature of cardiac muscle tissue compared to skeletal muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

Branching cells connected by intercalated discs

Question 7

A blockage in the coronary arteries would most directly affect which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The supply of oxygenated blood to the cardiac muscle cells

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the role of gap junctions in intercalated discs?

Accepted Answer

They allow ions to pass directly between cells, enabling coordinated contraction.

Question 9

If the sinoatrial (SA) node fails, which structure can act as a backup pacemaker for the heart?

Accepted Answer

The atrioventricular (AV) node

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 11

A patient has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL per beat. What is their cardiac output in liters per minute? (Use $$CO = HR 	imes SV$$ and convert mL to L as needed.)

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 70 = 5600 mL/$$min = $$5.6 L/$$min

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the flow of blood through the heart and lungs?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary trunk → lungs → pulmonary veins → left atrium

Question 13

Which of the following is true regarding the function of papillary muscles and chordae tendineae?

Accepted Answer

They prevent inversion of the AV valves during ventricular contraction.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why all four chambers of the heart do not contract simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

The cardiac skeleton electrically isolates the atria from the ventricles.

Question 15

A patient has a defect in their left AV (mitral) valve. Which of the following symptoms would most likely result?

Accepted Answer

Backflow of blood into the left atrium during ventricular contraction

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the role of the cardiovascular control centers (CVCC) in the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

They adjust heart rate in response to changes in blood pressure and blood gases.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct pairing of heart valve and its location?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary valve – between right ventricle and pulmonary trunk

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cells are highly vascularized?

Accepted Answer

They rely almost entirely on aerobic respiration for energy.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct sequence of events during a single cardiac cycle?

Accepted Answer

Atria contract → AV valves close → ventricles contract → semilunar valves open

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

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