Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the pericardium?

Accepted Answer

It surrounds and protects the heart, reducing friction and preventing overexpansion.

Question 2

A patient is diagnosed with pericarditis. Which of the following complications is most likely to occur if excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial cavity?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade, restricting heart movement

Question 3

Which structure electrically insulates the atria from the ventricles and stabilizes the positions of the heart valves?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac skeleton

Question 4

During ventricular systole, which valves are open and which are closed?

Accepted Answer

AV valves are closed; semilunar valves are open.

Question 5

A blockage in the left coronary artery would most directly affect blood supply to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Left ventricle, left atrium, and interventricular septum

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

It pumps blood at a higher pressure to the systemic circuit.

Question 7

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures that a cardiac action potential travels through, starting at the SA node?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the plateau phase of the cardiac contractile cell action potential?

Accepted Answer

It is caused by the influx of Ca2+ ions through slow calcium channels.

Question 9

A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm after exertion, which subsides with rest. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Angina pectoris

Question 10

Which of the following equations correctly represents cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = HR 	imes SV$$

Question 11

If a patient has an end-diastolic volume (EDV) of 130 mL and an end-systolic volume (ESV) of 50 mL, what is their stroke volume (SV)?

Accepted Answer

$$SV = 130\,mL - 50\,mL = 80\,mL$$

Question 12

Which of the following would most likely increase cardiac output during exercise?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume

Question 13

Which heart sound (S1 or S2) is associated with the closing of the atrioventricular (AV) valves?

Accepted Answer

S1

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the Frank–Starling principle?

Accepted Answer

As end-diastolic volume (EDV) increases, stroke volume increases.

Question 15

Which of the following arrhythmias is most likely to result in cardiac arrest due to the ventricles quivering and failing to pump blood?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Question 16

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate and increased contractility

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why cardiac muscle cannot undergo tetany (sustained contraction)?

Accepted Answer

The refractory period is almost as long as the contraction.

Question 18

A patient has a heart rate of 90 bpm and a stroke volume of 70 mL/beat. What is their cardiac output?

Accepted Answer

$$CO = 90 	imes 70 = 6300\,mL/min$$

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely decrease stroke volume?

Accepted Answer

Increased afterload

Question 20

Which of the following is the main energy source for cardiac muscle contraction under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

Aerobic metabolism of fatty acids and glucose

The Heart: Structure, Function, and Physiology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards