Cardiovascular Physiology Review

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Questions and Answers

During intense exercise, which of the following physiological responses helps maintain blood pressure?

Vasodilation in non-essential organs
Increased parasympathetic nervous system activity
Decreased cardiac output
Increased heart rate and stroke volume (correct)

A patient with a history of hypertension is prescribed a medication that blocks angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). What is the primary mechanism by which this medication lowers blood pressure?

Increasing the production of aldosterone
Enhancing sodium and water retention in the kidneys
Stimulating the release of renin
Preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II (correct)

Which of the following adaptations is most likely to occur in response to long-term endurance training?

Decreased left ventricular cavity size
Increased stroke volume (correct)
Increased maximal heart rate
Increased resting heart rate

Atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, is characterized by:

Formation of plaques in the arteries (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?

To initiate the electrical impulses that trigger heart contractions (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does regular aerobic exercise contribute to improved vascular health?

By promoting vasodilation and reducing inflammation (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a healthy individual, which of the following best describes the flow of blood through the heart and pulmonary circulation?

Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Pulmonary vein → Left atrium (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key difference between arteries and veins?

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood towards the heart. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient is diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis. Which of the following best describes the effect of this condition on blood flow?

Reduced blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Frank-Starling mechanism contribute to the regulation of cardiac output?

By increasing stroke volume in response to increased preload (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Heart Function

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste.

Heart Chambers

The heart has four chambers: the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle. These chambers work together to circulate blood efficiently.

Circulatory Circuits

The circulatory system is divided into two main circuits: the pulmonary circuit (blood to lungs) and the systemic circuit (blood to body).

Arteries vs. Veins

Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.