Cardiovascular System

Which blood vessel carries blood away from the heart toward tissues and organs?

A. Vein
B. Capillary
C. Artery
D. Venule

C. Artery

Rationale: Arteries carry blood away from the heart.

Which blood vessel carries blood toward the heart?

A. Artery
B. Vein
C. Capillary
D. Arteriole

B. Vein

TEAS Tip:
Arteries = Away from the heart
Veins = toward the heart

What is the primary function of capillaries?

A. Pump blood toward the heart
B. Regulate heart rate
C. Exchange oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and wastes
D. Prevent blood from flowing backward

C. Exchange oxygen, nutrients, carbon dioxide, and wastes

Why are capillary walls very thin?

A. To increase blood pressure
B. To allow substances to move between blood and tissues
C. To prevent oxygen from leaving the blood
D. To prevent blood from entering tissues

B. To allow substances to move between blood and tissues

Which substance normally moves from the blood into body tissues?

A. Carbon dioxide
B. Cellular waste
C. Oxygen
D. Metabolic waste only

C. Oxygen

Rationale: Oxygen and nutrients move from blood into tissues, while carbon dioxide and wastes move from tissues into the blood.

Which substance moves from tissues into the blood?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nutrients
D. Glucose only

B. Carbon dioxide

How many primary layers are found in both arteries and veins? + Name them

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

C. Three

The three layers are:

• Tunica externa — outer layer

• Tunica media — middle layer

• Tunica interna — inner layer

Which layer of an artery or vein contains smooth muscle?

A. Tunica externa
B. Tunica media
C. Tunica interna
D. Epithelium

B. Tunica media

Which vessel generally has a thicker tunica media?

A. Arteries
B. Veins
C. Capillaries
D. All vessels have the same thickness

Answer: A. Arteries

Why is the tunica media thicker in arteries than in veins?

A. Arteries need to withstand and regulate higher blood pressure.
B. Arteries contain valves.
C. Arteries exchange nutrients with tissues.
D. Arteries have lower pressure than veins.

A. Arteries need to withstand and regulate higher blood pressure.

Which structure is present in veins but generally absent in arteries?

A. Smooth muscle
B. Tunica externa
C. Valves
D. Tunica interna

C. Valves

What is the primary function of valves in veins?

A. Increase blood pressure
B. Prevent blood from flowing away from the heart
C. Allow blood to flow only toward the heart
D. Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide

Answer: C. Allow blood to flow only toward the heart

Why are venous valves particularly useful?

A. They help prevent blood from flowing backward.
B. They increase oxygen production.
C. They increase the thickness of capillary walls.
D. They cause the heart to contract.

A. They help prevent blood from flowing backward.

Which statement correctly compares arteries and veins?

A. Arteries contain valves, while veins do not.
B. Veins have thicker tunica media than arteries.
C. Both have three major layers, but arteries generally have a thicker tunica media.
D. Arteries and veins are both made of only one layer.

C. Both have three major layers, but arteries generally have a thicker tunica media.

Which type of epithelium makes up the single layer of capillary walls?

A. Stratified squamous epithelium
B. Simple cuboidal epithelium
C. Simple squamous epithelium
D. Stratified columnar epithelium

C. Simple squamous epithelium

Why is simple squamous epithelium advantageous in capillaries?

A. It provides a thick protective barrier.
B. Its thin structure facilitates exchange of substances.
C. It prevents substances from entering tissues.
D. It increases blood pressure.

B. Its thin structure facilitates exchange of substances.

Which vessel is the smallest vascular structure?

A. Artery
B. Vein
C. Capillary
D. Aorta

C. Capillary

A capillary is damaged and its wall becomes significantly thicker. What would most likely happen?

A. Exchange between blood and tissues would become more difficult.
B. Blood would flow directly from arteries to veins without resistance.
C. Oxygen exchange would increase dramatically.
D. Venous valves would stop functioning.

A. Exchange between blood and tissues would become more difficult.

TEAS Application: Thin walls = efficient exchange.

Blood leaves the left ventricle and enters which major artery?

A. Pulmonary artery
B. Aorta
C. Femoral artery
D. Carotid artery

B. Aorta

Which three arteries are the primary branches off the aortic arch?

A. Right brachiocephalic, left common carotid, left subclavian
B. Right carotid, left carotid, right femoral
C. Right subclavian, left brachial, left radial
D. Right iliac, left iliac, celiac trunk

A. Right brachiocephalic, left common carotid, left subclavian

The right brachiocephalic artery divides into which two arteries?

A. Right radial and right ulnar
B. Right common carotid and right subclavian
C. Right internal carotid and right external carotid
D. Right axillary and right brachial

B. Right common carotid and right subclavian

Which artery supplies blood to the brain according to the material provided?

A. External carotid artery
B. Internal carotid artery
C. Femoral artery
D. Radial artery

B. Internal carotid artery

The external carotid artery primarily supplies blood to the:

A. Brain
B. Facial area
C. Kidneys
D. Lower extremities

B. Facial area

Which artery travels through the transverse foramina of the vertebrae and supplies the brain?

A. Vertebral artery
B. Femoral artery
C. Axillary artery
D. Renal artery

A. Vertebral artery

Which artery travels under the clavicle?

A. Brachial
B. Subclavian
C. Radial
D. Ulnar

B. Subclavian artery

The subclavian artery becomes which artery near the upper extremity?

A. Femoral
B. Brachial
C. Axillary
D. Radial

C. Axillary artery

The axillary artery becomes the:

A. Brachial artery
B. Radial artery
C. Ulnar artery
D. Subclavian artery

A. Brachial artery

The brachial artery divides into which two arteries?

A. Carotid and vertebral
B. Radial and ulnar
C. Femoral and popliteal
D. Tibial and iliac

B. Radial and ulnar

Which sequence correctly follows blood flow through the upper extremity?

A. Subclavian → axillary → brachial → radial/ulnar
B. Axillary → subclavian → brachial → femoral
C. Brachial → axillary → subclavian → radial
D. Subclavian → femoral → brachial → radial

A. Subclavian → axillary → brachial → radial/ulnar

The descending aorta passes through the diaphragm and becomes the:

A. Thoracic aorta
B. Abdominal aorta
C. Femoral artery
D. Common iliac artery

B. Abdominal aorta

The abdominal aorta divides into the:

A. Right and left common iliac arteries
B. Right and left carotid arteries
C. Right and left subclavian arteries
D. Right and left femoral arteries

A. Right and left common iliac arteries

Which of the following is a branch of the abdominal aorta?

A. Renal artery
B. Brachial artery
C. Radial artery
D. External carotid artery

A. Renal artery

Which artery supplies blood to the kidneys?

A. Renal artery
B. Celiac trunk
C. Femoral artery
D. Vertebral artery

A. Renal artery

Which arteries are branches of the abdominal aorta according to the provided material?

A. Inferior phrenic arteries
B. Celiac trunk
C. Superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
D. Renal arteries
E. All of the above

E. All of the above

The external iliac artery becomes the:

A. Popliteal artery
B. Femoral artery
C. Brachial artery
D. Tibial artery

B. Femoral artery

The femoral artery travels posteriorly and becomes the:

A. Popliteal artery
B. Radial artery
C. Ulnar artery
D. Axillary artery

A. Popliteal artery

The popliteal artery divides into the:

A. Radial and ulnar arteries
B. Internal and external carotid arteries
C. Anterior and posterior tibial arteries
D. Right and left common iliac arteries

C. Anterior and posterior tibial arteries

A patient has a problem with venous valves in the lower extremities. Which consequence is most likely?

A. Blood may flow backward toward the tissues.
B. Arterial blood pressure will immediately become zero.
C. Oxygen will no longer bind to hemoglobin.
D. Capillaries will become arteries.

A. Blood may flow backward toward the tissues.

A scientist observes a blood vessel with a single layer of simple squamous epithelium and no thick smooth-muscle layer. Which vessel is most likely being observed?

A. Artery
B. Vein
C. Capillary
D. Aorta

C. Capillary

Which sequence correctly describes blood flow from the heart to the upper extremity?

A. Left ventricle → aorta → subclavian → axillary → brachial → radial/ulnar
B. Left ventricle → pulmonary artery → subclavian → brachial
C. Right ventricle → aorta → carotid → brachial
D. Left atrium → aorta → axillary → femoral

A. Left ventricle → aorta → subclavian → axillary → brachial → radial/ulnar

Which sequence correctly follows blood flow toward the lower extremity?

A. Abdominal aorta → common iliac → external iliac → femoral → popliteal → tibial
B. Aorta → carotid → subclavian → femoral → tibial
C. Abdominal aorta → brachiocephalic → femoral → popliteal
D. Common carotid → common iliac → femoral → tibial

Abdominal aorta → common iliac → external iliac → femoral → popliteal → tibial

A patient has decreased blood flow through the internal carotid artery. Which organ would be most directly affected?

A. Kidney
B. Brain
C. Heart
D. Liver

B. Brain

A patient has reduced blood flow through the renal arteries. Which organs would be most directly affected?

A. Brain
B. Kidneys
C. Lungs
D. Upper extremities

B. Kidneys

Which structural feature allows arteries to better withstand higher blood pressure compared with veins?

A. Thicker tunica media
B. Presence of valves
C. Single-layer walls
D. Absence of smooth muscle

A. Thicker tunica media

Which statement BEST explains why skeletal muscle contractions can assist venous blood return?

A. Muscle contractions compress veins and help push blood toward the heart, while valves prevent backward flow.
B. Muscle contractions cause arteries to become veins.
C. Muscle contractions open all four heart valves simultaneously.
D. Muscle contractions increase the thickness of capillary walls.

A. Muscle contractions compress veins and help push blood toward the heart, while valves prevent backward flow.

Which sequence correctly describes the three phases of the cardiac cycle?

A. Ventricular systole → atrial systole → rest
B. Rest phase → atrial systole → ventricular systole
C. Atrial systole → rest phase → ventricular systole
D. Ventricular diastole → ventricular systole → atrial systole

Answer: B. Rest phase → atrial systole → ventricular systole

Rationale: The cycle begins with the rest phase, followed by atrial systole, and then ventricular systole.

During the rest phase of the cardiac cycle, the heart is primarily in:

A. Systole
B. Ventricular contraction
C. Diastole
D. Atrial contraction

Answer: C. Diastole

Rationale: During the rest phase, the heart is relaxed, meaning it is in diastole.

Approximately what percentage of blood enters the ventricles passively during the rest phase?

A. 10%
B. 30%
C. 50%
D. 70%

Answer: D. 70%

TEAS Tip: Remember 70% passive, 30% atrial contraction.

During the rest phase, why do the atrioventricular valves open?

A. Ventricular pressure is greater than atrial pressure.
B. Atrial pressure is greater than ventricular pressure.
C. Aortic pressure is greater than ventricular pressure.
D. The ventricles are contracting.

B. Atrial pressure is greater than ventricular pressure.

Rationale: Blood moves from an area of higher pressure to lower pressure. During this phase, pressure is higher in the atria, causing the tricuspid and bicuspid/mitral valves to open.

Which valves are open during the rest phase?

A. Aortic and pulmonary valves
B. Tricuspid and bicuspid valves
C. Aortic and tricuspid valves
D. Pulmonary and bicuspid valves

B. Tricuspid and bicuspid valves

During ventricular diastole, the pressure in the ventricles is lower than the pressure in the:

A. Atria only
B. Pulmonary trunk and aorta
C. Superior vena cava only
D. Pulmonary veins only

B. Pulmonary trunk and aorta

Rationale: Higher pressure in the pulmonary trunk and aorta causes the semilunar valves to close, preventing blood from flowing back into the ventricles.

Which valves close during ventricular diastole?

A. Tricuspid and bicuspid
B. Aortic and pulmonary
C. Tricuspid and pulmonary
D. Bicuspid and aortic

B. Aortic and pulmonary

During atrial systole, what happens to the ventricles?

A. They contract.
B. They remain in diastole.
C. They completely empty.
D. They immediately enter systole.

B. They remain in diastole.

What is the primary purpose of atrial systole?

A. To close the semilunar valves
B. To push the remaining blood into the ventricles
C. To eject blood into the aorta
D. To prevent blood from entering the atria

B. To push the remaining blood into the ventricles

Approximately what percentage of blood is pushed into the ventricles by atrial contraction?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 70%

C. 30%

Which statement best explains how heart valves operate?

A. They open and close because of changes in pressure.
B. They open and close because of electrical impulses.
C. They are controlled voluntarily by the nervous system.
D. They remain open throughout the cardiac cycle.

A. They open and close because of changes in pressure.

During atrial systole, which valves are open?

A. Aortic and pulmonary
B. Tricuspid and bicuspid
C. Only the aortic valve
D. Only the pulmonary valve

B. Tricuspid and bicuspid

During atrial systole, which valves remain closed?

A. Atrioventricular valves
B. Semilunar valves
C. Tricuspid valves only
D. Bicuspid valves only

B. Semilunar valves

During ventricular systole, pressure in the ventricles increases. What is the immediate effect on the atrioventricular valves?

A. They open.
B. They remain open.
C. They close.
D. They disappear.

C. They close.

What causes the semilunar valves to open?

A. Decreased ventricular pressure
B. Increased ventricular pressure
C. Increased atrial pressure
D. Decreased atrial pressure

B. Increased ventricular pressure

Key idea: When ventricular pressure becomes greater than the pressure in the aorta and pulmonary trunk, the semilunar valves open.

Which event occurs when ventricular pressure becomes greater than the pressure in the aorta and pulmonary trunk?

A. Atrioventricular valves open.
B. Atrioventricular valves close and semilunar valves open.
C. All four valves close.
D. The atria contract.

B. Atrioventricular valves close and semilunar valves open.

What medical procedure involves listening to the heart with a stethoscope?

A. Palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Percussion
D. Inspection

B. Auscultation

Which heart sound is commonly described as "lubb"?

A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
D. S4

A. S1

What causes the S1 heart sound?

A. Closure of the semilunar valves
B. Opening of the atrioventricular valves
C. Closure of the atrioventricular valves
D. Opening of the semilunar valves

C. Closure of the atrioventricular valves

Which valves are responsible for the S1 sound?

A. Aortic and pulmonary
B. Tricuspid and bicuspid
C. Aortic and bicuspid
D. Pulmonary and tricuspid

B. Tricuspid and bicuspid

S1 occurs primarily during:

A. Ventricular systole
B. Ventricular diastole
C. Atrial diastole only
D. Rest phase only

A. Ventricular systole

Which heart sound is commonly described as "dub"?

A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
D. S4

B. S2

What causes the S2 heart sound?

A. Closure of the atrioventricular valves
B. Opening of the atrioventricular valves
C. Closure of the semilunar valves
D. Contraction of the atria

C. Closure of the semilunar valves

Which valves produce the S2 sound?

A. Tricuspid and bicuspid
B. Aortic and pulmonary
C. Tricuspid and pulmonary
D. Bicuspid and aortic only

B. Aortic and pulmonary

S2 is associated with:

A. Ventricular systole
B. Ventricular diastole
C. Atrial systole
D. Atrial contraction only

B. Ventricular diastole

What causes the S3 heart sound?

A. Closure of the AV valves
B. Closure of the semilunar valves
C. Ventricular filling
D. Atrial contraction

C. Ventricular filling

Where does S3 occur in relation to S1 and S2?

A. Before S1
B. Between S1 and S2
C. Between S2 and S1
D. After the next S1

C. Between S2 and S1

Memory:
S1 → S2 → S3 → S1

In which individuals can an S3 sound be considered normal?

A. Only older adults
B. Children and athletes
C. Only patients with heart failure
D. Only infants

B. Children and athletes

An S3 heart sound in an adult may be associated with:

A. Congestive heart failure
B. Normal ventricular contraction in every adult
C. Closure of the aortic valve only
D. Increased red blood cell production

A. Congestive heart failure

Which statement about S3 is most accurate based on the provided material?

A. It is always abnormal.
B. It is always normal.
C. It can occur normally in children and athletes but may also occur with congestive heart failure.
D. It is caused by closure of the AV valves.

C. It can occur normally in children and athletes but may also occur with congestive heart failure.

A student observes that the atrioventricular valves are open while the semilunar valves are closed. Which phase is most likely occurring?

A. Rest phase
B. Ventricular systole
C. Ventricular ejection
D. Ventricular contraction

A. Rest phase

A patient's ventricles begin contracting. Which change would occur first?

A. Ventricular pressure decreases.
B. AV valves close.
C. Semilunar valves close.
D. Blood passively enters the ventricles.

B. AV valves close.

During ventricular systole, which pressure relationship is necessary for the semilunar valves to open?

A. Atrial pressure > ventricular pressure
B. Ventricular pressure > pressure in the aorta and pulmonary trunk
C. Aortic pressure > ventricular pressure
D. Pulmonary pressure > ventricular pressure

B. Ventricular pressure > pressure in the aorta and pulmonary trunk

A patient has a heart sound caused by closure of the tricuspid and bicuspid valves. Which sound should the healthcare professional identify?

A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
D. S4

A. S1

A heart sound is produced when the aortic and pulmonary valves close. Which sound is being heard?

A. S1
B. S2
C. S3
D. S4

B. S2

A student states, "The ventricles contract while the atria are also contracting." Which correction is most accurate?

A. The atria contract during ventricular systole.
B. The atria are in diastole while the ventricles are in systole.
C. Both chambers remain in diastole.
D. The atria and ventricles always contract simultaneously.

B. The atria are in diastole while the ventricles are in systole.

During the rest phase, approximately 70% of ventricular filling occurs without atrial contraction. What does this demonstrate?

A. Ventricular filling is completely dependent on atrial systole.
B. Blood can passively move into the ventricles because of pressure differences.
C. The semilunar valves must be open.
D. The ventricles must be contracting.

B. Blood can passively move into the ventricles because of pressure differences.

Which event immediately follows the increase in ventricular pressure during ventricular systole?

A. AV valves close.
B. AV valves open.
C. Semilunar valves close.
D. Atria contract.

A. AV valves close.

Which combination is correct?

A. S1 — semilunar valves — ventricular diastole
B. S2 — AV valves — ventricular systole
C. S1 — AV valves — ventricular systole
D. S3 — semilunar valves — ventricular systole

C. S1 — AV valves — ventricular systole

Which statement best summarizes the relationship between pressure and valves?

A. Valves open and close randomly during the cardiac cycle.
B. Valves open toward areas of higher pressure.
C. Pressure differences cause the valves to open or close, directing blood flow.
D. Valves are opened by contraction of the heart muscle itself.

C. Pressure differences cause the valves to open or close, directing blood flow.