Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology flashcards as text
Which of the following best describes preload in cardiac physiology?
Answer: End-diastolic volume stretching the ventricular wall
Preload refers to the degree of ventricular wall stretch at end-diastole, related to end-diastolic volume and venous return.
The sinoatrial (SA) node is located in which part of the heart?
Answer: Right atrium near the superior vena cava
The SA node sits in the posterior wall of the right atrium near the junction with the superior vena cava and serves as the primary pacemaker.
Which segment of the cardiac cycle is characterized by rising ventricular pressure with all valves closed?
Answer: Isovolumetric contraction
Isovolumetric contraction occurs after mitral valve closure and before aortic valve opening, with no change in ventricular volume.
On a standard 2D echocardiogram, the moderator band is a structure seen in which chamber?
Answer: Right ventricle
The moderator band (septomarginal trabecula) crosses the right ventricular cavity and carries part of the right bundle branch.
Which great vessel carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart?
Answer: Pulmonary vein
Pulmonary veins (four in total) return oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
The Frank-Starling mechanism states that increased preload results in:
Answer: Increased stroke volume
Greater ventricular filling stretches myocardial fibers, increasing the force of contraction and thus stroke volume.
Which aortic root structure is identified by echocardiography as the landmark between the aortic annulus and the sinotubular junction?
Answer: Sinuses of Valsalva
The sinuses of Valsalva are the three dilated pockets of the aortic root located between the annulus and the sinotubular junction, giving rise to the coronary arteries.