2. The structure and function of the heart

What is cardiac output and how is it calculated?

• The volume of blood pumped through each ventricle per hour; CO = HR + SV

• The volume of blood pumped through each ventricle per minute; CO = HR x SV

• The volume of blood pumped through each atrium per minute; CO = HR x SV

• The volume of blood pumped through each ventricle per second; CO = HR x SV

Describe the flow of blood through the heart.

• Right atrium → left atrium → lungs → body

• Right ventricle → left ventricle → body → lungs

• Right side → lungs → left side → body

• Left side → lungs → right side → body

Where are the atrioventricular (AV) valves located and what is their function?

• Between the ventricles and arteries; prevent backflow into the ventricles

• Between the atria and ventricles; prevent backflow into the atria

• In the pulmonary artery and aorta; prevent backflow into the ventricles

• In the vena cava and pulmonary vein; prevent backflow into the atria

What happens during diastole in the cardiac cycle?

• The heart contracts and pumps blood out

• The heart relaxes and fills with blood

• The atria contract and push blood into the ventricles

• The ventricles contract and push blood into the arteries

What is the function of the sinoatrial node (SAN)?

• It acts as a valve to prevent backflow

• It sets the rate of heart muscle contraction

• It measures blood pressure

• It oxygenates the blood

Which part of the brain regulates the rate of the SAN?

• Cerebellum

• Medulla

• Hypothalamus

• Cerebrum

What is the role of the sympathetic nerves in the autonomic nervous system?

• Decrease heart rate by releasing acetylcholine

• Increase heart rate by releasing nor-adrenaline

• Maintain constant heart rate

• Decrease heart rate by releasing nor-adrenaline

What changes occur in the blood pressure in the aorta during the cardiac cycle?

• Blood pressure remains constant

• Blood pressure increases during diastole and decreases during systole

• Blood pressure increases during systole and decreases during diastole

• Blood pressure decreases during both systole and diastole

What is the function of a sphygmomanometer?

• To measure heart rate

• To measure blood pressure

• To measure oxygen levels

• To measure blood sugar levels

What is a typical blood pressure reading for a young adult?

• 140/90 mmHg

• 120/80 mmHg

• 100/60 mmHg

• 160/100 mmHg