Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium and the serous fluid within the pericardial cavity?

Accepted Answer

To reduce friction between the heart and surrounding structures during contraction

Question 2

A patient presents with a congenital defect where the foramen ovale fails to close after birth. Which structure is directly affected, and what is the consequence?

Accepted Answer

Fossa ovalis; abnormal mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood between atria

Question 3

Which equation correctly calculates Cardiac Output (CO) given Stroke Volume (SV) and Heart Rate (HR)?

Accepted Answer

$$ CO = SV 	imes HR $$

Question 4

During the cardiac cycle, what causes the 'lup' and 'dub' heart sounds?

Accepted Answer

Closing of the AV valves ('lup') and closing of the semilunar valves ('dub')

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the pulmonary and systemic circuits is correct?

Accepted Answer

The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs, while the systemic circuit carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body.

Question 6

Which structure is responsible for initiating the action potential in the heart’s conduction system, and why is it called the pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial (SA) node; because it has the fastest rate of spontaneous depolarization

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

To deliver nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle itself

Question 8

Which equation correctly calculates Stroke Volume (SV) given End Diastolic Volume (EDV) and End Systolic Volume (ESV)?

Accepted Answer

$$ SV = EDV - ESV $$

Question 9

A patient’s blood pressure is measured as 120/80 mmHg. What is the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)?

Accepted Answer

$$ MAP = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(120 - 80) = 80 + \frac{1}{3}(40) = 80 + 13.33 = 93.33 $$ mmHg

Question 10

Which of the following is a positive inotropic agent, and what effect does it have on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine; increases contractility

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the relationship between peripheral resistance and blood flow?

Accepted Answer

As peripheral resistance increases, blood flow decreases.

Question 12

Which factor is most important in determining peripheral resistance in blood vessels, and why?

Accepted Answer

Vessel radius; because small changes in radius cause large changes in resistance due to the fourth power relationship

Question 13

Which equation correctly calculates Net Filtration Pressure (NFP) in capillaries?

Accepted Answer

$$ NFP = HP - COP $$

Question 14

During exercise, what happens to blood flow in the skin and skeletal muscle?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow to the skin increases to aid heat loss, and blood flow to skeletal muscle increases to meet metabolic demands.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

To prevent backflow of blood and assist venous return to the heart

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct description of the three tunics of blood vessel walls?

Accepted Answer

Tunica intima is the innermost layer, tunica media is the middle layer, and tunica externa is the outermost layer.

Question 17

Which of the following hormones increases blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction and stimulating aldosterone release?

Accepted Answer

Angiotensin II

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the exchange function of capillaries?

Accepted Answer

Capillaries exchange gases, nutrients, and wastes between blood and tissues via diffusion, transcytosis, and bulk flow.

Question 19

A patient has a heart rate of 75 bpm and a stroke volume of 70 mL. What is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$ CO = 75 	imes 70 = 5250  mL/$$min

Study Guide: The Cardiovascular System I & II (Heart and Blood Vessels)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards