CSC CSC Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?
- Aortic valve
- Pulmonic valve
- Mitral valve (Correct answer)
- Tricuspid valve
Correct answer: Mitral valve
The mitral valve (bicuspid valve) is located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Question 2: The Frank-Starling mechanism states that increased ventricular filling leads to:
- Decreased stroke volume
- Increased stroke volume (Correct answer)
- No change in cardiac output
- Decreased heart rate
Correct answer: Increased stroke volume
The Frank-Starling law states that greater myocardial stretch from increased preload results in a stronger contraction and higher stroke volume.
Question 3: Which coronary artery primarily supplies the anterior wall of the left ventricle?
- Right coronary artery
- Left circumflex artery
- Left anterior descending artery (Correct answer)
- Posterior descending artery
Correct answer: Left anterior descending artery
The left anterior descending (LAD) artery supplies the anterior wall and apex of the left ventricle.
Question 4: Normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) range is approximately:
- 30–45%
- 45–55%
- 55–70% (Correct answer)
- 70–85%
Correct answer: 55–70%
A normal LVEF is 55–70%, indicating the percentage of blood ejected per contraction.
Question 5: The chordae tendineae attach the atrioventricular valve leaflets to the:
- Annulus fibrosus
- Papillary muscles (Correct answer)
- Interventricular septum
- Trabeculae carneae
Correct answer: Papillary muscles
Chordae tendineae are fibrous cords that connect AV valve leaflets to papillary muscles, preventing valve prolapse during systole.
Question 6: During systole, what happens to the mitral valve?
- It opens to allow blood into the left ventricle
- It closes to prevent regurgitation into the left atrium (Correct answer)
- It opens to allow blood into the aorta
- It closes to prevent pulmonary hypertension
Correct answer: It closes to prevent regurgitation into the left atrium
During systole, the mitral valve closes as left ventricular pressure exceeds left atrial pressure, preventing backflow.
CSC CSC Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology 1
Which valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?