Cardiovascular Anatomy & Physiology Flashcards

Which structure forms the posterior wall of the left atrium and is a common site for thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation?

Answer: Left atrial appendage

The left atrial appendage (LAA) has a narrow neck and trabeculated interior, creating stasis-prone conditions for thrombus formation.

Afterload is most accurately defined as:

Answer: The pressure or wall stress the ventricle must overcome during ejection

Afterload is the ventricular wall stress (or effective arterial resistance) against which the ventricle must contract to eject blood.

Which valve prevents backflow of blood from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle?

Answer: Pulmonic valve

The pulmonic (pulmonary) valve is a semilunar valve that closes during diastole to prevent regurgitation from the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle.

The normal right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) in a healthy adult at rest is approximately:

Answer: 15–30 mmHg

Normal RVSP is approximately 15–30 mmHg, reflecting the low-resistance pulmonary circulation.

Which echocardiographic measurement is used as a surrogate for right atrial pressure and is assessed by looking at the inferior vena cava?

Answer: IVC diameter and collapsibility with inspiration

IVC diameter and its respiratory collapsibility index are used to estimate right atrial pressure per ASE guidelines.

The interventricular septum normally bulges toward which ventricle during systole?

Answer: Right ventricle

During systole, the higher-pressure left ventricle causes the septum to bulge toward the lower-pressure right ventricle.

Which blood vessel supplies the sinoatrial node in approximately 60% of individuals?

Answer: Right coronary artery

In about 60% of people, the SA nodal artery arises from the right coronary artery (RCA); in the remainder it comes from the left circumflex.