Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo

Heart Physiology quiz #1 Flashcards

Heart Physiology quiz #1
Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/11
  • What are the two main phases of the cardiac cycle, and what occurs during each phase?
    The two main phases of the cardiac cycle are systole (contraction, when the heart pumps blood out) and diastole (relaxation, when the heart fills with blood).
  • How does the sinoatrial (SA) node contribute to heart function?
    The SA node initiates action potentials that spread through the heart, triggering coordinated contractions of the atria and ventricles.
  • What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and what are typical healthy values for each?
    Systolic blood pressure is the pressure during heart contraction (systole), typically less than 120 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure during relaxation (diastole), typically less than 80 mmHg.
  • Why do arteries experience higher blood pressure than veins or capillaries?
    Arteries experience higher blood pressure because they receive blood directly from the heart's powerful ventricular contractions, while pressure drops as blood moves through capillaries and veins.
  • How do veins ensure blood returns to the heart despite low pressure?
    Veins have valves that prevent backflow and rely on skeletal muscle contractions to help push blood back to the heart.
  • What is cardiac output, and how is it calculated?
    Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped by a ventricle per minute, calculated as heart rate (beats per minute) multiplied by stroke volume (volume per beat).
  • How is fluid exchanged between capillaries and body tissues, and what role does osmotic pressure play?
    High blood pressure in arterioles pushes fluid out into tissues; high osmotic pressure in venules (due to solute concentration) draws fluid back into the blood by osmosis.
  • What mechanisms help maintain blood pressure homeostasis in the body?
    Baroreceptors detect blood pressure changes, and the body adjusts blood vessel diameter, blood volume, and cardiac output to maintain homeostasis.
  • What is hypertension, and what are some potential health consequences?
    Hypertension is chronically high blood pressure (above 120/80 mmHg), which can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
  • What is arteriosclerosis, and how do LDL and HDL cholesterol relate to its development?
    Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of arteries due to fat deposits. LDL ('bad' cholesterol) promotes these deposits, while HDL ('good' cholesterol) helps remove excess cholesterol.
  • What is a myocardial infarction, and how does it differ from a stroke?
    A myocardial infarction (heart attack) is caused by blockage of a coronary artery, damaging heart muscle. A stroke is damage to brain tissue due to blocked or ruptured brain arteries.