Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

They ensure one-way flow of blood through the heart chambers.

Question 2

A patient presents with an irregular heartbeat. Which term best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Arrhythmia

Question 3

Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile force that pumps blood?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 4

During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the ventricles contract?

Accepted Answer

Systole

Question 5

Which structure initiates the electrical impulse that causes the heart to beat?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 6

What does the QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represent?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular depolarization

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The left ventricle pumps blood to the entire body, requiring greater force.

Question 8

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cannot be tetanized?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle cells have a long refractory period.

Question 9

Which division of the autonomic nervous system slows down the heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 10

A patient’s ECG shows an absent P wave. Which part of the heart’s conduction system is most likely malfunctioning?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the location of the heart in the thorax?

Accepted Answer

Within the mediastinum, with the vertebral column posterior and sternum anterior

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Atria contract, ventricles contract, both relax

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the effect of increased temperature on cardiac muscle function?

Accepted Answer

It increases the rate of depolarization and heart rate.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about the pericardium is correct?

Accepted Answer

The pericardium consists of fibrous and serous layers that protect and anchor the heart.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

They prevent the atrioventricular valves from inverting during ventricular contraction.

Question 16

If the AV node is damaged, what is the most likely effect on the heart’s electrical conduction?

Accepted Answer

The impulse from the SA node will be delayed or blocked, slowing ventricular contraction.

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the automaticity of cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle can depolarize spontaneously without external stimuli.

Question 18

A patient has a blockage in the right pulmonary artery. Which area will receive less blood as a result?

Accepted Answer

Right lung

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the role of the vagus nerve in heart function?

Accepted Answer

It decreases heart rate by providing parasympathetic input.

Question 20

Which of the following is the correct formula for cardiac output ($$CO$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = Heart\ Rate 	imes Stroke\ Volume$$

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions