Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 2

A patient presents with a stab wound to the chest that penetrates the outermost layer of the pericardium. Which structure is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Parietal pericardium

Question 3

Blood returning from the systemic circulation enters the heart through which chamber?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium

Question 4

Which of the following correctly traces the flow of blood from the right atrium to the lungs?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → Tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Pulmonary valve → Pulmonary artery

Question 5

Which vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary vein

Question 6

If the SA node fails to function, which structure typically takes over as the heart's pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

AV node

Question 7

Which part of the ECG corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

A heart rate below the normal range

Question 9

Which equation correctly calculates cardiac output ($$CO) $$given heart rate ($$HR) $$and stroke volume ($$SV$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 10

A patient has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$5600\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the function of the coronary arteries?

Accepted Answer

They supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Ventricular diastole

Question 13

Which of the following nerves carries parasympathetic signals to decrease heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve

Question 14

A patient is experiencing tachycardia. Which of the following could be a possible cause?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalance

Question 15

Which of the following is the correct order of electrical conduction in the heart?

Accepted Answer

SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → Purkinje fibers

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the pulmonary circulation system?

Accepted Answer

It carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium

Question 17

Which of the following arteries is commonly used to measure someone's heart rate at the wrist?

Accepted Answer

Radial artery

Question 18

If a patient has a blockage in the left coronary artery, which area of the heart is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle

Question 19

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 pump blood throughout the systemic circulation

Question 20

A patient’s ECG shows an abnormal T wave. Which cardiac event is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular repolarization

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Physiology – Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions