Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many chambers does the human heart possess?
How many chambers does the human heart possess?
- Two
- Five
- Four (correct)
- Three
Which of the following describes the primary function of the atria?
Which of the following describes the primary function of the atria?
- Filtering waste products from the blood
- Pumping blood to the rest of the body
- Receiving blood from the body and lungs (correct)
- Pumping blood to the lungs
Which valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
Which valve prevents backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
- Pulmonary valve
- Mitral valve (correct)
- Tricuspid valve
- Aortic valve
Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the heart's contractions?
Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the heart's contractions?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria and ventricles relax and fill with blood?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria and ventricles relax and fill with blood?
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during ventricular contraction (systole)?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during ventricular contraction (systole)?
Which statement best describes the role of coronary arteries?
Which statement best describes the role of coronary arteries?
During which part of the cardiac cycle does the majority of left ventricular perfusion occur?
During which part of the cardiac cycle does the majority of left ventricular perfusion occur?
Which of the following best describes the pericardium's function?
Which of the following best describes the pericardium's function?
What is the significance of capillaries having very thin walls?
What is the significance of capillaries having very thin walls?
If the mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed), which chamber of the heart will experience increased pressure and workload?
If the mitral valve is stenotic (narrowed), which chamber of the heart will experience increased pressure and workload?
Which of the following correctly sequences the flow of electrical impulses through the heart?
Which of the following correctly sequences the flow of electrical impulses through the heart?
A patient's arterial blood pressure is consistently measured at 90/60 mmHg. Which of the following conditions is the patient most likely experiencing?
A patient's arterial blood pressure is consistently measured at 90/60 mmHg. Which of the following conditions is the patient most likely experiencing?
Occlusion of the left coronary artery is most likely to directly affect the function of which heart structure?
Occlusion of the left coronary artery is most likely to directly affect the function of which heart structure?
A researcher discovers a novel drug that selectively inhibits the function of the Purkinje fibers. What effect would this drug likely have on the heart?
A researcher discovers a novel drug that selectively inhibits the function of the Purkinje fibers. What effect would this drug likely have on the heart?
In a patient with severe aortic stenosis, which compensatory mechanism would the heart initially employ to maintain cardiac output?
In a patient with severe aortic stenosis, which compensatory mechanism would the heart initially employ to maintain cardiac output?
A hypothetical toxin selectively targets and destroys mesothelial cells within the epicardium. What immediate physiological consequence would this likely induce?
A hypothetical toxin selectively targets and destroys mesothelial cells within the epicardium. What immediate physiological consequence would this likely induce?
If a drug is administered that selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in cardiac muscle cells, what direct effect would this have on cardiac function, assuming no other compensatory mechanisms?
If a drug is administered that selectively blocks L-type calcium channels in cardiac muscle cells, what direct effect would this have on cardiac function, assuming no other compensatory mechanisms?
Approximately how many times does the human heart beat in one day?
Approximately how many times does the human heart beat in one day?
Which heart valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
Which heart valve prevents the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
What is the primary role of the Sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?
What is the primary role of the Sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?
Which type of vessel is responsible for carrying blood away from the heart?
Which type of vessel is responsible for carrying blood away from the heart?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during ventricular relaxation (diastole)?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during ventricular relaxation (diastole)?
Coronary arteries play what critical role in the function of the heart?
Coronary arteries play what critical role in the function of the heart?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does the majority (more than 85%) of left ventricular perfusion occur?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does the majority (more than 85%) of left ventricular perfusion occur?
Which of the following accurately describes the function of the pericardium?
Which of the following accurately describes the function of the pericardium?
What structural feature of capillaries facilitates the exchange of substances with surrounding tissues?
What structural feature of capillaries facilitates the exchange of substances with surrounding tissues?
If the tricuspid valve is stenotic (narrowed), which heart chamber will likely experience increased workload and pressure?
If the tricuspid valve is stenotic (narrowed), which heart chamber will likely experience increased workload and pressure?
What is the expected range of pulmonary artery pressure?
What is the expected range of pulmonary artery pressure?
During the cardiac cycle, at what point do the atria and ventricles both relax and fill with blood?
During the cardiac cycle, at what point do the atria and ventricles both relax and fill with blood?
Which description accurately portrays the function of arteries?
Which description accurately portrays the function of arteries?
During ventricular systole, what happens to the coronary arteries?
During ventricular systole, what happens to the coronary arteries?
What is the effect of arterial elastic recoil during diastole?
What is the effect of arterial elastic recoil during diastole?
Predict the immediate outcome if the endocardium were damaged?
Predict the immediate outcome if the endocardium were damaged?
A pharmacologist is developing a drug designed to selectively enhance the contractility of the myocardium. Which cellular mechanism should this drug primarily target to achieve the desired effect?
A pharmacologist is developing a drug designed to selectively enhance the contractility of the myocardium. Which cellular mechanism should this drug primarily target to achieve the desired effect?
A researcher is investigating a novel genetic mutation that causes a significant reduction in the number of gap junctions present in the intercalated discs of cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological consequences would most likely result from this mutation?
A researcher is investigating a novel genetic mutation that causes a significant reduction in the number of gap junctions present in the intercalated discs of cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological consequences would most likely result from this mutation?
What is the approximate arteriolar blood pressure at the point where arterioles connect to the capillaries?
What is the approximate arteriolar blood pressure at the point where arterioles connect to the capillaries?
What is approximate blood pressure on the venous side of the capillaries?
What is approximate blood pressure on the venous side of the capillaries?
Which heart valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium?
Which heart valve prevents backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium?
What is the primary function of the myocardium?
What is the primary function of the myocardium?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does ventricular filling primarily occur?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does ventricular filling primarily occur?
The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates an electrical impulse at what rate?
The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates an electrical impulse at what rate?
Which vessels carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
Which vessels carry deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
What is the blood pressure during ventricular relaxation (diastole)?
What is the blood pressure during ventricular relaxation (diastole)?
What physiological event impairs coronary artery blood flow?
What physiological event impairs coronary artery blood flow?
Which layer of the heart provides a protective outer covering?
Which layer of the heart provides a protective outer covering?
What structural characteristic of capillaries facilitates gas exchange?
What structural characteristic of capillaries facilitates gas exchange?
If a stenotic valve is present between the left atrium and left ventricle, which valve is this?
If a stenotic valve is present between the left atrium and left ventricle, which valve is this?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles just prior to reaching capillaries?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles just prior to reaching capillaries?
What is the role of arterial elastic recoil during diastole?
What is the role of arterial elastic recoil during diastole?
Damage to the endocardium would initially result in what immediate outcome?
Damage to the endocardium would initially result in what immediate outcome?
A drug designed to selectively enhance myocardial contractility should target which cellular mechanism?
A drug designed to selectively enhance myocardial contractility should target which cellular mechanism?
A genetic mutation causes a significant reduction in the number of gap junctions present in the intercalated discs. What might result?
A genetic mutation causes a significant reduction in the number of gap junctions present in the intercalated discs. What might result?
How many liters of blood does the heart pump through the body in one day?
How many liters of blood does the heart pump through the body in one day?
Which heart chamber receives blood from the lungs?
Which heart chamber receives blood from the lungs?
Which of the following indicates issues with central venous return (CVP)?
Which of the following indicates issues with central venous return (CVP)?
A patient presents with heightened sympathetic tone. What changes indicate this state? (Select 2)
A patient presents with heightened sympathetic tone. What changes indicate this state? (Select 2)
The 'lub-DUB' sound of the heart is associated with what?
The 'lub-DUB' sound of the heart is associated with what?
What is the name of the vessel type that facilitates the exchange of compounds to and from surrounding tissues?
What is the name of the vessel type that facilitates the exchange of compounds to and from surrounding tissues?
Arteries transport blood in which direction?
Arteries transport blood in which direction?
What is the ultimate effect of contraction of the ventricles during systole on coronary arteries?
What is the ultimate effect of contraction of the ventricles during systole on coronary arteries?
What role does elastic recoil of the arteries play during diastole?
What role does elastic recoil of the arteries play during diastole?
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the myocardium?
Which of the following is a primary characteristic of the myocardium?
What would be the immediate likely effect of damage to the endocardium?
What would be the immediate likely effect of damage to the endocardium?
What is the approximate blood pressure as blood enters capillaries from arterioles?
What is the approximate blood pressure as blood enters capillaries from arterioles?
In properly functioning circulatory systems, which location has a blood pressure closest to 0 mmHg?
In properly functioning circulatory systems, which location has a blood pressure closest to 0 mmHg?
The heart beats approximately 100,000 times each day, pumping roughly how much blood?
The heart beats approximately 100,000 times each day, pumping roughly how much blood?
What is the function of the pulmonary valve?
What is the function of the pulmonary valve?
Which zone receives oxygenated blood via the pulmonary artery?
Which zone receives oxygenated blood via the pulmonary artery?
If the left coronary artery is occluded, which area will be most affected?
If the left coronary artery is occluded, which area will be most affected?
Pulmonary artery pressure is normally what?
Pulmonary artery pressure is normally what?
During what state do the atria contract while ventricles relax?
During what state do the atria contract while ventricles relax?
What is the nature of blood carried to the lungs via arteries?
What is the nature of blood carried to the lungs via arteries?
Which of the following best describes the role of coronary sinus?
Which of the following best describes the role of coronary sinus?
A novel drug increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. What effect it has on left ventricular perfusion?
A novel drug increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. What effect it has on left ventricular perfusion?
If a patient exhibits elevated CVP, what is the most probable issue?
If a patient exhibits elevated CVP, what is the most probable issue?
Through which valve does blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle?
Through which valve does blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle?
Which event occurs during the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle?
Which event occurs during the diastole phase of the cardiac cycle?
What role do the arteries play in the cardiovascular system?
What role do the arteries play in the cardiovascular system?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during systole?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the aorta during systole?
Which layer of the heart wall contains the involuntary striated muscle responsible for the heart's pumping action?
Which layer of the heart wall contains the involuntary striated muscle responsible for the heart's pumping action?
What is the mechanism by which arterial blood flow is maintained during diastole?
What is the mechanism by which arterial blood flow is maintained during diastole?
Where does the heart receive its primary blood supply from?
Where does the heart receive its primary blood supply from?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the heart valves?
Which of the following is NOT a function of the heart valves?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles as blood enters the capillaries?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles as blood enters the capillaries?
During ventricular systole, what effect does the forceful contraction of the ventricles have on coronary arteries?
During ventricular systole, what effect does the forceful contraction of the ventricles have on coronary arteries?
What is the pressure in the vena cava?
What is the pressure in the vena cava?
Why is the pulmonary circulation shorter than the systemic circulation?
Why is the pulmonary circulation shorter than the systemic circulation?
If a patient has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg, what can be said of this patient?
If a patient has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg, what can be said of this patient?
Why are capillary walls very thin?
Why are capillary walls very thin?
What is the functional consequence of reduced elastic recoil in the aorta with aging?
What is the functional consequence of reduced elastic recoil in the aorta with aging?
Which of the following is the most immediate and life-threatening consequence of a complete rupture of the chordae tendineae in the left ventricle?
Which of the following is the most immediate and life-threatening consequence of a complete rupture of the chordae tendineae in the left ventricle?
A genetic defect results in cardiac muscle cells with abnormally low levels of ATP. Which of the following aspects of cardiac function would be most directly impaired?
A genetic defect results in cardiac muscle cells with abnormally low levels of ATP. Which of the following aspects of cardiac function would be most directly impaired?
A researcher is studying a novel drug that selectively enhances the contractility of the myocardium without affecting heart rate. Which cellular mechanism should this drug primarily target to achieve the desired effect?
A researcher is studying a novel drug that selectively enhances the contractility of the myocardium without affecting heart rate. Which cellular mechanism should this drug primarily target to achieve the desired effect?
In a scenario where a patient has a significantly prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) but a normal QRS complex and QT interval, what specific anatomical structure is most likely malfunctioning to cause this conduction delay?
In a scenario where a patient has a significantly prolonged PR interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) but a normal QRS complex and QT interval, what specific anatomical structure is most likely malfunctioning to cause this conduction delay?
What is the approximate volume of blood, in liters, that the heart pumps through the body in a day?
What is the approximate volume of blood, in liters, that the heart pumps through the body in a day?
Which heart valve is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
Which heart valve is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium?
What is the primary function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
What is the primary function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
Coronary arteries are critical for the heart's function because they:
Coronary arteries are critical for the heart's function because they:
Which of the following accurately describes the pericardium's function?
Which of the following accurately describes the pericardium's function?
What is the effect on blood pressure of increased elastic recoil?
What is the effect on blood pressure of increased elastic recoil?
Which location has a blood pressure closest to 0 mmHg?
Which location has a blood pressure closest to 0 mmHg?
What role do the coronary sinus and Thebesian veins play in the heart?
What role do the coronary sinus and Thebesian veins play in the heart?
Predict the effect if the vagus nerve were severed?
Predict the effect if the vagus nerve were severed?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract while the ventricles relax?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract while the ventricles relax?
During ventricular systole, what occurs in the coronary arteries?
During ventricular systole, what occurs in the coronary arteries?
Which characteristic of capillaries facilitates the exchange of substances with surrounding tissues?
Which characteristic of capillaries facilitates the exchange of substances with surrounding tissues?
What key role is fulfilled by the elastic recoil of arterial walls during diastole?
What key role is fulfilled by the elastic recoil of arterial walls during diastole?
What is the nature of blood being carried to the lungs via arteries?
What is the nature of blood being carried to the lungs via arteries?
What changes might indicate heightened sympathetic tone in a patient?
What changes might indicate heightened sympathetic tone in a patient?
What is the most likely consequence if the endocardium is damaged?
What is the most likely consequence if the endocardium is damaged?
Consider a patient who has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg. What can you say about this patient?
Consider a patient who has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg. What can you say about this patient?
A novel drug increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. What effect would you predict this drug to have on left ventricular perfusion?
A novel drug increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. What effect would you predict this drug to have on left ventricular perfusion?
A researcher discovers that the vagus nerve is severed in a study animal. What effect will this have?
A researcher discovers that the vagus nerve is severed in a study animal. What effect will this have?
A 60-year-old patient presents with orthostatic hypotension. Reduced arterial elasticity is suspected of causing this issue. What impact has this likely had?
A 60-year-old patient presents with orthostatic hypotension. Reduced arterial elasticity is suspected of causing this issue. What impact has this likely had?
Which of the following best describes the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node?
Which of the following best describes the function of the atrioventricular (AV) node?
What is the role of the chordae tendineae?
What is the role of the chordae tendineae?
Which sequence accurately describes the direction of blood flow through the pulmonary circuit?
Which sequence accurately describes the direction of blood flow through the pulmonary circuit?
What is the primary mechanism by which the heart receives its own supply of oxygenated blood?
What is the primary mechanism by which the heart receives its own supply of oxygenated blood?
Which of the following vessels typically has the lowest blood pressure?
Which of the following vessels typically has the lowest blood pressure?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle is blood pressure highest in the aorta?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle is blood pressure highest in the aorta?
Which of the following is a characteristic of veins, but not arteries?
Which of the following is a characteristic of veins, but not arteries?
What causes the 'lub' sound in the 'lub-DUB' heart sound?
What causes the 'lub' sound in the 'lub-DUB' heart sound?
In a healthy individual at rest, which of the following is the most significant contributor to coronary blood flow?
In a healthy individual at rest, which of the following is the most significant contributor to coronary blood flow?
Which of the following best describes the state of the heart during diastole?
Which of the following best describes the state of the heart during diastole?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the arterioles just before they enter the capillaries?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the arterioles just before they enter the capillaries?
Which layer of the heart is composed of involuntary striated muscle responsible for the heart's contractile function?
Which layer of the heart is composed of involuntary striated muscle responsible for the heart's contractile function?
What is the approximate central venous pressure (CVP) in the vena cava near the heart?
What is the approximate central venous pressure (CVP) in the vena cava near the heart?
Which of the following correctly pairs a heart valve with its function?
Which of the following correctly pairs a heart valve with its function?
A patient with a genetic defect has abnormally low levels of elastin in their arterial walls. What would be the most likely consequence of this condition?
A patient with a genetic defect has abnormally low levels of elastin in their arterial walls. What would be the most likely consequence of this condition?
During ventricular systole, how are the coronary arteries affected and what is the primary source of myocardial perfusion?
During ventricular systole, how are the coronary arteries affected and what is the primary source of myocardial perfusion?
A novel drug selectively targets and inhibits the function of mesothelial cells within the visceral pericardium. What immediate physiological consequence would this likely induce?
A novel drug selectively targets and inhibits the function of mesothelial cells within the visceral pericardium. What immediate physiological consequence would this likely induce?
A researcher is studying a population with a high incidence of a genetic mutation that results in non-functional gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological changes would they most likely observe in the affected individuals?
A researcher is studying a population with a high incidence of a genetic mutation that results in non-functional gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological changes would they most likely observe in the affected individuals?
Imagine the sinoatrial (SA) node ceases to function in a patient. What compensatory mechanism would likely take over, and what would be the expected consequence on heart rate?
Imagine the sinoatrial (SA) node ceases to function in a patient. What compensatory mechanism would likely take over, and what would be the expected consequence on heart rate?
Which heart valve is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?
Which heart valve is responsible for preventing the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery?
What is the role of the arterioles in the cardiovascular system?
What is the role of the arterioles in the cardiovascular system?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the large vena cava?
What is the approximate blood pressure in the large vena cava?
Contraction of the ventricles during systole has what effect on coronary arteries?
Contraction of the ventricles during systole has what effect on coronary arteries?
Elastic recoil in the arteries plays what role during diastole?
Elastic recoil in the arteries plays what role during diastole?
If the left coronary artery becomes occluded, what is the most likely direct consequence?
If the left coronary artery becomes occluded, what is the most likely direct consequence?
Which of the following lists accurately depict the direction of the blood flow? (1) Arteries, (2) Arterioles, (3) Capillaries, (4) Venules and (5) Veins.
Which of the following lists accurately depict the direction of the blood flow? (1) Arteries, (2) Arterioles, (3) Capillaries, (4) Venules and (5) Veins.
A patient has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg. What does this indicate?
A patient has a pulmonary artery pressure of 20/15 mmHg. What does this indicate?
What immediate effect would damage to the endocardium have?
What immediate effect would damage to the endocardium have?
Imagine the sinoatrial (SA) node ceases to function in a patient. What compensatory mechanism would most likely take over, and what would be the expected consequence on heart rate?
Imagine the sinoatrial (SA) node ceases to function in a patient. What compensatory mechanism would most likely take over, and what would be the expected consequence on heart rate?
The right atrium receives blood from what?
The right atrium receives blood from what?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles just before they reach the capillaries?
What is the approximate blood pressure in arterioles just before they reach the capillaries?
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the role of the coronary sinus?
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the role of the coronary sinus?
What is unique to pulmonary arteries?
What is unique to pulmonary arteries?
During what phase of the cardiac cycle is the majority of left ventricular myocardial perfusion achieved?
During what phase of the cardiac cycle is the majority of left ventricular myocardial perfusion achieved?
A novel drug selectively increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. Predict the effect of this drug on left ventricular perfusion.
A novel drug selectively increases the duration of diastole without changing heart rate. Predict the effect of this drug on left ventricular perfusion.
Why the pulmonary pressures always need to be lower than systemic pressures? (Select 2)
Why the pulmonary pressures always need to be lower than systemic pressures? (Select 2)
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract?
During which phase of the cardiac cycle do the atria contract?
What is the purpose of the heart's four valves?
What is the purpose of the heart's four valves?
Which of the following is the outer layer of the heart wall?
Which of the following is the outer layer of the heart wall?
What functional characteristic is associated with the sinoatrial node?
What functional characteristic is associated with the sinoatrial node?
Where do veins carry blood?
Where do veins carry blood?
Which of the following events reduces coronary artery blood flow to the left ventricle?
Which of the following events reduces coronary artery blood flow to the left ventricle?
How many liters of blood does the heart pump on average each day?
How many liters of blood does the heart pump on average each day?
How is arterial blood flow maintained during diastole?
How is arterial blood flow maintained during diastole?
What is the role of capillaries in the cardiovascular system?
What is the role of capillaries in the cardiovascular system?
Which artery carries deoxygenated blood?
Which artery carries deoxygenated blood?
Which of the following describes the sequence of electrical conduction in the heart, starting from the initiation of the impulse?
Which of the following describes the sequence of electrical conduction in the heart, starting from the initiation of the impulse?
Considering the effects of ventricular contraction on coronary arteries, which statement is most accurate?
Considering the effects of ventricular contraction on coronary arteries, which statement is most accurate?
A pharmaceutical company is developing a drug to treat hypertension by vasodilation. Which type of blood vessel should this drug primarily target?
A pharmaceutical company is developing a drug to treat hypertension by vasodilation. Which type of blood vessel should this drug primarily target?
In individuals with significant aortic valve stenosis, what is the expected long-term compensatory change in the heart's structure?
In individuals with significant aortic valve stenosis, what is the expected long-term compensatory change in the heart's structure?
Arteries are described as carrying blood away from the heart, which of the following is the specific functional feature is directly responsible for assisting this process?
Arteries are described as carrying blood away from the heart, which of the following is the specific functional feature is directly responsible for assisting this process?
A patient is diagnosed with a condition that impairs the function of mesothelial cells in the pericardium. What is the most immediate and direct consequence of this impairment on cardiac function?
A patient is diagnosed with a condition that impairs the function of mesothelial cells in the pericardium. What is the most immediate and direct consequence of this impairment on cardiac function?
A researcher is studying a novel genetic mutation that selectively impairs the function of gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological consequences would most likely result from this mutation?
A researcher is studying a novel genetic mutation that selectively impairs the function of gap junctions in cardiac muscle cells. Which of the following physiological consequences would most likely result from this mutation?
How many liters of blood, approximately, does the heart pump through the body in a day?
How many liters of blood, approximately, does the heart pump through the body in a day?
Which type of blood vessel carries blood back to the heart?
Which type of blood vessel carries blood back to the heart?
What is the approximate blood pressure on the venous side of capillaries?
What is the approximate blood pressure on the venous side of capillaries?
What is the role of the valves in the heart?
What is the role of the valves in the heart?
Which layer of the heart wall is the outermost?
Which layer of the heart wall is the outermost?
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart's electrical system?
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart's electrical system?
Which of the following best describes diastole?
Which of the following best describes diastole?
What is the function of capillaries?
What is the function of capillaries?
Which heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
Which heart valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle?
What is the term for the thin fibrous sac that surrounds the heart?
What is the term for the thin fibrous sac that surrounds the heart?
What causes the 'lub-DUB' heart sounds?
What causes the 'lub-DUB' heart sounds?
Which of the following contributes to maintaining arterial blood flow during diastole?
Which of the following contributes to maintaining arterial blood flow during diastole?
How do veins differ structurally from arteries?
How do veins differ structurally from arteries?
Which of the following best describes the function of the pulmonary artery?
Which of the following best describes the function of the pulmonary artery?
What is the approximate arteriolar blood pressure where they join the capillaries?
What is the approximate arteriolar blood pressure where they join the capillaries?
Pulmonary artery pressure that exceeds 20/15 mmHg might suggests what about the systemic pressure?
Pulmonary artery pressure that exceeds 20/15 mmHg might suggests what about the systemic pressure?
Which of the following accurately represents the sequence of electrical conduction in the ventricles?
Which of the following accurately represents the sequence of electrical conduction in the ventricles?
What would be the effect of administering a drug that selectively enhances the contractility of the myocardium cells without affecting heart rate?
What would be the effect of administering a drug that selectively enhances the contractility of the myocardium cells without affecting heart rate?
How is the heart's activity coordinated?
How is the heart's activity coordinated?
Which of the following is most associated with contraction of the ventricles compressing the coronary arteries?
Which of the following is most associated with contraction of the ventricles compressing the coronary arteries?
When comparing pulmonary circulation to systemic circulation, which statement applies?
When comparing pulmonary circulation to systemic circulation, which statement applies?
In a scenario where the sinoatrial (SA) node fails, what happens?
In a scenario where the sinoatrial (SA) node fails, what happens?
Why is the pulmonary circulation's pressure lower than systemic circulation's pressure?
Why is the pulmonary circulation's pressure lower than systemic circulation's pressure?
What action is associated with the 'lub-DUB' sounds of the heart?
What action is associated with the 'lub-DUB' sounds of the heart?
Which heart structure receives blood from the systemic circulation?
Which heart structure receives blood from the systemic circulation?
Why is the precise coordination of heart muscle contractions crucial?
Why is the precise coordination of heart muscle contractions crucial?
A cardiologist observes that a patient's left ventricle is receiving insufficient blood supply due to the compression of coronary arteries. During which phase of the cardiac cycle is this compression most pronounced?
A cardiologist observes that a patient's left ventricle is receiving insufficient blood supply due to the compression of coronary arteries. During which phase of the cardiac cycle is this compression most pronounced?
Consider an experimental scenario where the interstitial fluid within the pericardial sac is selectively replaced with a viscous gel. Assuming no immediate compensatory mechanisms, what direct effect would this alteration most likely have on cardiac function?
Consider an experimental scenario where the interstitial fluid within the pericardial sac is selectively replaced with a viscous gel. Assuming no immediate compensatory mechanisms, what direct effect would this alteration most likely have on cardiac function?
Flashcards
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is responsible for circulating blood, containing oxygen and nutrients, throughout the body.
Heart's Daily Workload
Heart's Daily Workload
The heart beats approximately 100,000 times a day, circulating about 7,000 liters of blood.
Heart Chambers
Heart Chambers
The heart has four chambers: two atria (which receive blood) and two ventricles (which discharge blood).
Heart Valves
Heart Valves
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Aortic Valve
Aortic Valve
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Mitral Valve
Mitral Valve
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Tricuspid Valve
Tricuspid Valve
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Pulmonary Valve
Pulmonary Valve
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Endocardium
Endocardium
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Myocardium
Myocardium
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Epicardium
Epicardium
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Pericardium
Pericardium
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Diastole
Diastole
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Systole
Systole
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Heart's Electrical System
Heart's Electrical System
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Sinoatrial (SA) Node
Sinoatrial (SA) Node
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Atrioventricular (AV) Node
Atrioventricular (AV) Node
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Bundle of His & Purkinje Fibers
Bundle of His & Purkinje Fibers
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Arteries
Arteries
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Veins
Veins
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Study Notes
Key Facts About The Heart
- The heart beats approximately 100,000 times each day.
- The heart pumps 7,000 litres of blood through the body in a 24-hour period.
Heart Chambers
- The heart has four chambers.
- There are two atria, which receive blood.
- There are two ventricles, which discharge blood.
Heart Valves
- The heart contains four valves that ensures blood flows in one direction.
- The aortic valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.
- The mitral valve allows blood to flow from the left atria to the left ventricle.
- The tricuspid valve allows blood to flow from the right atria to the right ventricle.
- The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
- Heart sounds are described as "lub-DUB".
Heart Structure
- The heart wall has three tissue layers covered by a thin protective coating called the pericardium.
- The endocardium is a thin tissue layer that lines the heart chambers and valves.
- The myocardium is an involuntary striated muscle that makes up most of the heart's bulk.
- The epicardium is the outer layer and consists of mesothelial cells.
- The pericardium is a thin, fibrous sheath enclosing the heart that contains interstitial fluid for lubrication.
Heart Function (Diastole and Systole)
- Each heartbeat consists of two parts: diastole and systole.
- During diastole, the atria and ventricles relax and fill with blood.
- During systole, the atria contract and push blood into the ventricles.
- As the atria relax, the ventricles contract and pump blood out of the heart.
Heart's Electrical System
- Heart muscles must contract in a coordinated manner.
- The heart's activity is coordinated by electrical impulses.
- The sinoatrial node (heart pacemaker) starts the process.
- The atrioventricular node (gate) is next.
- Finally, the Bundle of His & Purkinje fibers contract the ventricles.
Blood Vessels
- Arteries transport blood away from the heart to the rest of the body (oxygenated) or to the lungs (deoxygenated through the pulmonary artery).
- Veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart, increasing in size closer to the heart.
- Capillaries connect the smallest arteries (arterioles) to the smallest veins (venules).
- The capillaries have very thin walls to allow compound exchange to and from tissues.
Blood Pressure
- Pressure in the aorta after ventricular contraction (systole) is 120 mmHg, dropping to 80 mmHg during diastole (ventricular relaxation).
- Arterial blood flow is maintained during diastole because of elastic recoil in the arteries.
- Pulmonary circulation is shorter than systemic.
- Pulmonary artery pressure is 20/15 mmHg.
- Arteriole blood pressure is about 65 mmHg, reducing to 25 mmHg where they join capillaries.
- Blood pressure on the venous side of capillaries is about 15 mmHg.
- Pressure in the large vena cava is close to 0 mmHg (CVP).
Coronary Circulation
- The heart requires a rich blood supply from the left and right coronary arteries derived from the aortic sinus.
- Cardiac muscle has capillaries and blood returned to the right atrium through the coronary sinus.
- The left ventricle is supplied mostly by the left coronary artery therefore occlusion in coronary artery disease can lead to serious damage.
- During systole, contraction of ventricles compresses the coronary arteries which suppresses blood flow, so most of left ventricular perfusion occurs during diastole.
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