Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Accepted Answer

To transport nutrients, gases, hormones, and wastes throughout the body

Question 2

Which blood vessel type is primarily responsible for exchanging nutrients and gases with tissues?

Accepted Answer

Capillaries

Question 3

A patient is diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium. Which of the following best explains why this condition can lead to impaired heart function?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation reduces the serous fluid, increasing friction and restricting heart movement

Question 4

Which of the following correctly traces the flow of blood through the pulmonary and systemic circuits, starting from the right atrium?

Accepted Answer

Right atrium → Right ventricle → Pulmonary trunk → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle → Aorta → Body → Right atrium

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Question 6

The fibrous skeleton of the heart serves all of the following functions EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Generating the action potential for cardiac contraction

Question 7

Which coronary artery is considered a functional end artery, and why is this clinically significant?

Accepted Answer

The left anterior descending artery, because blockage leads to loss of blood supply with little alternative circulation

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of intercalated discs in cardiac muscle?

Accepted Answer

They are thickened regions of the sarcolemma that contain gap junctions and desmosomes, allowing rapid electrical and mechanical connection between cells

Question 9

A patient has a mutation that impairs the function of the SA node. Which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

The AV node will take over as pacemaker, resulting in a slower heart rate

Question 10

Which of the following best defines cardiac output, and what is its formula?

Accepted Answer

The volume of blood ejected by each ventricle per minute; $$	ext{CO} = 	ext{HR} 	imes 	ext{SV}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a positive chronotropic agent, and how does it affect heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine; increases heart rate

Question 12

During which phase of the cardiac cycle does ventricular pressure exceed atrial pressure, causing the AV valves to close?

Accepted Answer

Isovolumetric contraction

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the significance of the plateau phase in the cardiac muscle action potential?

Accepted Answer

It prolongs depolarization, ensuring sustained contraction and effective pumping

Question 14

A patient with a septal defect has abnormal mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Which developmental structure failed to close properly?

Accepted Answer

Foramen ovale

Question 15

Which of the following variables would directly increase stroke volume, assuming all other factors remain constant?

Accepted Answer

Increased venous return (preload)

Question 16

Which component of an ECG corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

Accepted Answer

QRS complex

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increases heart rate and force of contraction

Question 18

A patient has a cardiac output of $$5.5\ 	ext{L/min}$$ and a heart rate of $$70\ 	ext{beats/min}. $$What is their stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

$$78.6\ 	ext{mL/beat}$$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the concept of ventricular balance?

Accepted Answer

Both ventricles must pump equal volumes of blood to prevent fluid accumulation in the lungs or systemic circulation

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a function of the pericardium?

Accepted Answer

Generating the electrical impulse for heart contraction

Anatomy & Physiology: Cardiovascular System – Heart Study Guide

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard