Cardiovascular System Quiz

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

• Digestion of nutrients

• Storage of blood

• Production of hormones

• Transport of respiratory gasses

Answer explanation

The primary function of the cardiovascular system is the transport of respiratory gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, throughout the body, which is essential for cellular respiration and overall metabolic processes.

Which type of blood vessel carries blood away from the heart?

• Venules

• Veins

• Capillaries

• Arteries

Answer explanation

Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to the rest of the body. In contrast, veins carry blood back to the heart, and capillaries are small vessels where gas exchange occurs.

What is the role of capillaries in the circulatory system?

• Transport blood to the heart

• Exchange materials between blood and tissues

• Store blood

• Pump blood

Answer explanation

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between blood and tissues, making them essential for cellular function.

Which part of the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the lungs?

• Right atrium

• Left ventricle

• Right ventricle

• Left atrium

Answer explanation

The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation. The right atrium receives blood from the body, but it is the right ventricle that sends it to the lungs.

What is the function of the valves in the heart?

• To regulate heart rate

• To prevent backflow of blood

• To supply oxygen to the heart

• To increase blood pressure

Answer explanation

The valves in the heart function to prevent backflow of blood, ensuring it flows in the correct direction through the heart chambers and into the arteries.

Which of the following is a characteristic of arteries?

• Thinner walls than veins

• Carry deoxygenated blood

• Have valves

• Thicker walls than veins

Answer explanation

Arteries have thicker walls than veins to withstand higher pressure from the blood pumped by the heart. This characteristic distinguishes them from veins, which have thinner walls and often contain valves.

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

• To filter blood

• To pump blood

• To initiate electrical impulses

• To regulate blood pressure

Answer explanation

The sinoatrial (SA) node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker. Its primary role is to initiate electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat, making 'To initiate electrical impulses' the correct answer.

Which of the following factors can increase heart rate?

• Cold temperature

• Sleep

• Exercise

• Relaxation

Answer explanation

Exercise increases heart rate as it requires more oxygen and energy, prompting the heart to pump faster. In contrast, cold temperature, sleep, and relaxation typically lower heart rate.

What is the term for the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction?

• Blood pressure

• Stroke volume

• Heart rate

• Cardiac output

Answer explanation

The term for the amount of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction is called stroke volume. It is a key measure of heart function, distinct from blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.

Which type of circulation carries blood from the left ventricle to the body?

• Systemic circulation

• Pulmonary circulation

• Coronary circulation

• Venous circulation

Answer explanation

Systemic circulation is the pathway that carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body, delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues.