$$CO = 80 \times 65 = 5200\ \text{mL/min}$$

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood to the entire body through the systemic circuit, requiring greater pressure.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with a blockage in the coronary arteries. Which of the following is the most immediate consequence for the heart?

Accepted Answer

The myocardium will receive less oxygen, potentially leading to tissue death.

Question 3

During the cardiac cycle, which event directly causes the 'lub' heart sound?

Accepted Answer

Closing of the atrioventricular (AV) valves

Question 4

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output (CO)?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 5

A person has a heart rate of 80 beats per minute and a stroke volume of 65 mL per beat. What is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 80 	imes 65 = 5200\ 	ext{mL/min}$$

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

They prevent the AV valve cusps from inverting into the atria during ventricular contraction.

Question 7

A patient presents with a blood pressure of 150/95 mm Hg. Which of the following best describes their condition?

Accepted Answer

They are hypertensive, which increases their risk for atherosclerosis.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about fetal circulation is correct?

Accepted Answer

The ductus arteriosus connects the aorta and pulmonary trunk, bypassing the fetal lungs.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why veins have valves, but arteries generally do not?

Accepted Answer

Veins operate under low pressure and need valves to prevent backflow of blood.

Question 10

Which of the following is the primary factor that determines stroke volume according to Starling’s law of the heart?

Accepted Answer

The degree of stretch (preload) of the cardiac muscle fibers

Question 11

A person is exposed to cold temperatures. What is the expected effect on their blood pressure, and why?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure increases due to vasoconstriction.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the sequence of electrical conduction in the heart?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which of the following equations correctly relates blood pressure (BP), cardiac output (CO), and peripheral resistance (PR)?

Accepted Answer

$$BP = CO 	imes PR$$

Question 14

A patient has a blockage in the hepatic portal vein. Which organ's function is most directly affected by this blockage?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of precapillary sphincters in capillary beds?

Accepted Answer

They control blood flow into the capillary bed, directing it through true capillaries or the vascular shunt.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and vasoconstriction

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why fluid moves out of capillaries at the arterial end and back in at the venous end?

Accepted Answer

Blood pressure is higher than osmotic pressure at the arterial end, but lower at the venous end.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

A slower heart rate, as the AV node takes over as pacemaker

Question 19

Which of the following arteries is the first branch off the abdominal aorta and supplies the stomach, spleen, and liver?

Accepted Answer

Celiac trunk

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely consequence of progressive arteriosclerosis in elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Increased peripheral resistance and higher risk of hypertension

The Cardiovascular System: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions