Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the left ventricle in the heart?

Accepted Answer

It pumps oxygen-rich blood to the systemic circuit via the aorta.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 3

A patient has a blockage in the right coronary artery. Which area of the heart is most likely to be affected first?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium and right ventricle

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the pericardium is correct?

Accepted Answer

The pericardial cavity is filled with fluid to decrease friction.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the left ventricular wall is thicker than the right?

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood with greater pressure to the systemic circuit.

Question 6

Which heart valve prevents backflow of blood into the left atrium when the left ventricle contracts?

Accepted Answer

Mitral (bicuspid) valve

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular valves are closed; semilunar valves are open.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

They are connected by intercalated discs containing gap junctions.

Question 9

If the left atrioventricular (mitral) valve fails to close properly, what is the most likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Blood will flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the pathway of blood through the right side of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → tricuspid valve → right ventricle → pulmonary valve → pulmonary trunk

Question 11

Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 12

Which structure anchors the cusps of the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles?

Accepted Answer

Chordae tendineae

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Increased friction and pain due to inflammation of the pericardium

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cannot function without oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle has a high density of mitochondria and depends on aerobic respiration.

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of the coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

They supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle itself.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the conduction system of the heart is correct?

Accepted Answer

The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates the heartbeat and sets the pace.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following is true regarding the difference between cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle contraction is voluntary, while cardiac muscle contraction is involuntary.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the semilunar valves?

Accepted Answer

They prevent backflow of blood into the ventricles after contraction.

Question 20

A patient has a defect in the interventricular septum. Which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood between the ventricles.

The Cardiovascular System: The Heart – Structured Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions