Cardiovascular System MCQs

Flashcards on the Cardiovascular System, covering Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology.

Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta?

Left ventricle

Which valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle?

Bicuspid (mitral) valve

Where is the SA node located?

Right atrium

What is the thickest layer of the heart wall called?

Myocardium

Which vessel carries deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart?

The inferior vena cava is a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower and middle body to the right atrium of the heart. It collects blood from veins below the diaphragm, including those serving the legs, abdomen, and pelvis

Which arteries supply the heart muscle with blood?

Coronary arteries

What is the correct order of blood flow through the heart?

Right atrium → Right ventricle → Lungs → Left atrium → Left ventricle

What is the inner lining of the heart called?

Endocardium

Which vein carries oxygenated blood?

Pulmonary vein

The aortic valve prevents backflow into the:

Left ventricle

Which structures prevent the AV valves from inverting?

Papillary muscles and chordae tendineae prevent AV valves from inverting during ventricular contraction by maintaining valve closure.

The right ventricle sends blood to the:

Lungs

What is the pericardium?

The outer fibrous sac surrounding the heart

The interventricular septum separates the:

Ventricles

Which structure conducts impulses from the atria to the ventricles?

Bundle of His

Which heart valve is also known as the mitral valve?

Left AV valve

What type of tissue forms the bulk of the myocardium?

Cardiac muscle

Where is the apex of the heart located?

At the bottom left

Which structure returns blood from the lungs to the heart?

Pulmonary vein

The coronary sinus drains blood into the:

Right atrium

What initiates the heartbeat under normal conditions?

SA node

Cardiac output is the product of stroke volume and:

Heart rate

Which of the following is true about arteries?

They carry blood away from the heart

The first heart sound ('lub') is caused by:

The first heart sound ('lub') is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular (AV) valves (tricuspid and mitral valves) at the beginning of ventricular systole. This prevents backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria, creating a distinct, relatively low-pitched sound.

Baroreceptors regulate blood pressure by detecting changes in:

Stretch in blood vessels

During systole, the heart muscle is:

Contracting

Which of the following vessels has the highest blood pressure?

Aorta

Blood pressure is highest in the:

Left ventricle: The left ventricle has the highest blood pressure due to the force required to pump oxygenated blood into the aorta for systemic circulation. During systole (contraction), the pressure in the left ventricle peaks significantly higher than in other heart chambers or blood vessels.

Which hormone increases heart rate and cardiac output?

Epinephrine

What is the function of the AV node?

Delay the impulse before passing it to ventricles

The second heart sound ('dub') is caused by:

Semilunar valves closing

Which blood vessels are the main site of exchange of gases and nutrients?

Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels with thin walls that allow oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste products to pass between blood and tissues.

Stroke volume refers to the:

Amount of blood ejected per beat

Which system controls the involuntary heart function?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS)

controls involuntary heart functions through its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic branch increases heart rate and contractility via norepinephrine, while the parasympathetic branch decreases heart rate through the vagus nerve releasing acetylcholine.

The Frank-Starling law relates to:

Stretch of cardiac fibers

Vasodilation causes:

Decrease in blood pressure

Which ion is most critical in cardiac muscle contraction?

Calcium

A normal adult heart rate at rest is:

A normal adult heart rate at rest typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).

This range can vary based on factors such as age, fitness level, stress, and overall health. Highly trained athletes may have resting heart rates below 60 bpm due to increased cardiovascular efficiency, while individuals experiencing stress or anxiety may have resting heart rates closer to 100 bpm.

Which part of the ECG corresponds to ventricular depolarization?

QRS complex indicates ventricular depolarization.

The refractory period in cardiac muscle:

Prevents tetany

A myocardial infarction is commonly known as a:

A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack,

occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a prolonged period, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue (myocardium). This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that forms on top of plaque in a coronary artery (atherosclerosis). The severity of a myocardial infarction depends on the location and duration of the blockage, as well as the amount of heart muscle affected. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and lightheadedness. Immediate medical attention is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize damage to the heart.

Which condition involves abnormal heart rhythm?

Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats (fast, slow, or erratic) causing palpitations, dizziness, or fainting; includes atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

Which is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?

EDEMA Commonly leads to shortness of breath.

Fluid retention causing swelling, often in legs and ankles, due to the heart's reduced pumping ability.

Atherosclerosis is the:

Accumulation of plaque in arteries

Hypertension is defined as:

BP above 140/90 mmHg

Which condition causes narrowing of heart valves?

Stenosis: Narrowing of heart valves.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the:

Outer covering of the heart

Which test is used to diagnose arrhythmias?

ECG/ ekg

Endocarditis affects the:

Heart valves and inner lining

Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease?

Smoking

Angina pectoris is usually caused by:

Myocardial ischemia

Which is a common sign of right-sided heart failure?

Jugular venous distention

Which disease is often called the 'silent killer'?

Hypertension

Cardiomyopathy refers to:

Disease of the heart muscle

Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause arrhythmias?

High potassium

Aneurysm is a:

Bulge in a blood vessel

that can lead to rupture and serious complications.

Which of the following may lead to stroke and is linked to atrial fibrillation?

Embolus formation

Which of the following can cause sudden cardiac arrest?

Ventricular fibrillation

Which blood test indicates damage to heart muscle?

Troponin

Which of the following can be a complication of untreated hypertension?

Untreated hypertension, or high blood pressure, can lead to severe complications affecting multiple organ systems. These include:

• Stroke: Damage to blood vessels in the brain caused by prolonged high pressure, leading to potential rupture or blockage.

• Heart Failure: The heart weakens over time due to the increased effort required to pump blood against high pressure, leading to inefficient blood circulation.

• Kidney Disease: High blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

• Vision Loss: Hypertension can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision impairment or blindness.

Thus, the answer is all of the above.

Which condition involves abnormal heart rhythm?

Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats (too fast, slow, or erratic) that can cause palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. Types include atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

Pericarditis is inflammation of the:

Inflammation of the heart's outer covering.