Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles during ventricular contraction?

Accepted Answer

They prevent the AV valves from inverting into the atria, ensuring one-way blood flow.

Question 2

A patient suffers a myocardial infarction due to a blockage in the left coronary artery. Which area of the heart is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

The left atrium and left ventricle

Question 3

Which sequence correctly traces the path of an electrical impulse through the heart's conducting system?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

During which phase of the cardiac cycle are the atrioventricular (AV) valves open and the semilunar valves closed?

Accepted Answer

Atrial systole

Question 5

Which of the following statements about cardiac muscle tissue is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac muscle cells are connected by intercalated discs containing gap junctions.

Question 6

A patient is diagnosed with bradycardia. Which of the following best describes their condition?

Accepted Answer

Their heart rate is slower than normal.

Question 7

Which vessel returns oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary vein

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 9

If the left ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently, which of the following is a likely consequence?

Accepted Answer

Decreased systemic circulation and possible tissue hypoxia

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

It must generate higher pressure to deliver blood throughout the systemic circuit.

Question 11

Which of the following is the correct order of blood flow through the heart starting from the systemic veins?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → right ventricle → pulmonary trunk → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → aorta

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the role of the pericardial fluid?

Accepted Answer

It reduces friction between the heart and surrounding tissues during contraction.

Question 13

A blockage in the right coronary artery would most directly affect which part of the heart?

Accepted Answer

Right ventricle

Question 14

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and force of contraction

Question 15

Which structure in the fetal heart allows blood to bypass the lungs, and what is its adult remnant called?

Accepted Answer

Foramen ovale; fossa ovalis

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They allow direct electrical communication between adjacent cells.

Question 17

A patient with a damaged SA node would most likely experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A slower heart rate initiated by the AV node

Question 18

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 19

Which of the following is a likely consequence of aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Increased workload on the left ventricle to overcome resistance

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why coronary artery disease (CAD) can lead to myocardial infarction?

Accepted Answer

CAD narrows the coronary arteries, reducing blood supply to heart tissue and causing tissue death if blocked.

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions