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Question 1
Correct
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The initial rapid depolarization in the action potential of cardiac muscle cells is due to:
Your Answer: Opening of voltage-gated Na+ channels
Explanation:The initial depolarization of the action potential in a cardiac muscle cell is due to the sodium current generated by opening of the voltage gated sodium channels leading to an influx of sodium ions into the cell and raising the membrane potential towards threshold.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 2
Correct
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Closure of the tricuspid valve is marked by which of the following features of the jugular venous waveform?
Your Answer: c wave
Explanation:The jugular venous pressure (JVP) classically has three upward deflections and two downward deflections. The upward deflections are the a (atrial contraction), c (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and v = venous filling. The downward deflections of the wave are the x (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the y descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 3
Correct
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The ‘c’ wave in JVP corresponds more closely with:
Your Answer: Isovolumetric contraction
Explanation:The jugular venous pressure (JVP, sometimes referred to as jugular venous pulse) is the indirectly observed pressure over the venous system via visualization of the internal jugular vein. It can be useful in the differentiation of different forms of heart and lung disease. Classically three upward deflections (peaks) and two downward deflections (troughs) have been described:The upward deflections are the a (atrial contraction), c (ventricular contraction and resulting bulging of tricuspid into the right atrium during isovolumetric systole) and v = venous filling.The downward deflections of the wave are the x (the atrium relaxes and the tricuspid valve moves downward) and the y descent (filling of ventricle after tricuspid opening).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 4
Correct
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Where would one normally find venous valves?
Your Answer: Saphenous vein
Explanation:The intima of the limb veins is folded at intervals to form venous valves that prevent retrograde flow. There are no valves present in the very small veins, the great veins, or the veins in the brain and viscera.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 5
Correct
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A sarcomere is the area between:
Your Answer: Two adjacent z lines
Explanation:The area that lies between the two adjacent Z lines is known as a sarcomere and is the contractile unit of the muscle. The line passing in the middle of the myosin filaments is the M line. It also passes through the middle of the sarcomere.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 6
Incorrect
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Concerning S3, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Your Answer: Normal in children
Correct Answer: Coincide with atrial contraction
Explanation:A third heart sound also called a ventricular gallop occurs at the beginning of diastole after S2 and is lower in pitch than S1 or S2 as it is not of valvular origin. The third heart sound is benign in youth, some trained athletes, and sometimes in pregnancy but if it re-emerges later in life it may signal cardiac problems, such as a failing left ventricle as in dilated congestive heart failure (CHF). S3 is thought to be caused by the oscillation of blood back and forth between the walls of the ventricles initiated by blood rushing in from the atria. The reason the third heart sound does not occur until the middle third of diastole is probably that during the early part of diastole, the ventricles are not filled sufficiently to create enough tension for reverberation. It may also be a result of tensing of the chordae tendineae during rapid filling and expansion of the ventricle. In other words, an S3 heart sound indicates increased volume of blood within the ventricle. An S3 heart sound is best heard with the bell-side of the stethoscope (used for lower frequency sounds). A left-sided S3 is best heard in the left lateral decubitus position and at the apex of the heart, which is normally located in the 5th left intercostal space at the midclavicular line. A right-sided S3 is best heard at the lower-left sternal border. The way to distinguish between a left and right-sided S3 is to observe whether it increases in intensity with inhalation or exhalation. A right-sided S3 will increase on inhalation, while a left-sided S3 will increase on exhalation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 7
Correct
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The major factor in controlling coronary artery blood flow is considered to be?
Your Answer: Metabolites of oxygen consumption
Explanation:There is a strong relationship between myocardial blood flow and oxygen consumption. This indicates that products of metabolism may cause vasodilation of the coronary artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 8
Correct
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The a-wave is created by:
Your Answer: Regurgitation of some blood to the great veins when the atria contracts in atrial systole
Explanation:The a-wave created on the venous pulse curve occurs as a result of atrial systole. Due to the pressure build-up in the atria, it causes a back pressure in the vena cava. This pressure is exerted on the valve and this back pressure is what causes a slight increase in the venous pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 9
Correct
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The postextrasystolic potentiation of myocardial contractility is due to:
Your Answer: Increase in intracellular Ca2+
Explanation:The postextrasystolic potentiation of myocardial contractility Is not due to ventricular filling. It occurs in isolated locations in the heart and is due to increase availability of intracellular calcium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 10
Incorrect
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Where on the surface of the chest is the normal site of auscultation for the mitral area?
Your Answer: 5th intercostal space in the left lower sternal border
Correct Answer: 4th left intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line
Explanation:The mitral valve is situated in the left 4th intercostal space just beneath the sternum, in the mid clavicular line.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 11
Correct
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Which is the most common site for primary cardiac tumours to occur in adults?
Your Answer: Left atrium
Explanation:Myxomas are the most common type of primary heart tumour. The tumour is derived from multipotential mesenchymal cells and may cause a ball valve-type obstruction. About 75% of myxomas occur in the left atrium of the heart, usually beginning in the wall that divides the two upper chambers of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 12
Incorrect
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How does pregnancy affect the cardiac output of a patient?
Your Answer: Increased cardiac output due to increase in stroke volume, whilst the heart rate remains unchanged
Correct Answer: Increased cardiac output due to increase in heart rate and stroke volume
Explanation:Cardiac Output increases to a similar degree as the blood volume. During the first trimester cardiac output is 30-40% higher than in the non-pregnant state. Steady rises are shown on Doppler echocardiography, from an average of 6.7 litres/minute at 8-11 weeks to about 8.7 litres/minute flow at 36-39 weeks; they are due, primarily, to an increase in stroke volume (35%) and, to a lesser extent, to a more rapid heart rate (15%). There is a steady reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) which contributes towards the hyperdynamic circulation observed in pregnancy
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 13
Incorrect
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Which of the following does not lower ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation?
Your Answer: Digitalis
Correct Answer: Adrenaline
Explanation:Adrenaline is a sympathetic neurotransmitter which increases the heart rate. During atrial fibrillation the atria is contracting at more than 200 beats/min. Acetylcholine is a parasympathetic neurotransmitter decreasing the heart rate. Digital also depresses the conduction at the AV conduction. Vagal discharge and occulocardiac reflux decrease the heart rate and convert the tachycardia into normal sinus rhythm.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 14
Correct
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Coronary flow is reduced during
Your Answer: Tachycardia
Explanation:Maximum amount of blood flow in the coronary arteries occur during diastole. When the heart rate increases which is also called tachycardia the duration of diastole decreases. Hence the amount of blood flow to the cardiac muscle also decreases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 15
Correct
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Question 16
Correct
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What is a characteristic findings on ECG in hyperkalaemia?
Your Answer: Tall, tented T waves
Explanation:Hyperkalaemia leads to:
– Prolonged PR interval
– Small P waves
– Tall, tented T waves
– Widened QRS complexes and eventually asystole.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 17
Correct
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Which of the atrial pressure changes represents the a-wave of the JVP
Your Answer: Atrial systole
Explanation:The a-wave created on the venous pulse curve occurs as a result of atrial systole. Due to the pressure build-up in the atria, it causes a back pressure in the vena cava. This pressure is exerted on the valve and this back pressure is what causes a slight increase in the venous pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 18
Correct
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Afferent fibers from the baroreceptors of the great arteries form branches of which cranial nerves?
Your Answer: Glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves
Explanation:The receptors of the carotid sinus are innervated by the carotid sinus nerve, a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. The aortic arch receptors located in the arch of the aorta are innervated by the aortic depressor nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Where does the SA node develop?
Your Answer: From the endocardium
Correct Answer: From structures on the right side of the embryo.
Explanation:The SA node develops from the right side of the embryo and the AV node from the left. This is the reason why in adults the right vagus supplies the SA node and the left vagus supplies the AV node.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 20
Correct
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A 55 year old cardiac patient is comfortable at rest but heavy housework results in fatigue, palpitations or dyspnoea. What New York Heart Association class best describes the severity of their disease?
Your Answer: NYHA Class II
Explanation:New York Heart Association functional classification:
Class I: no limitation is experienced in any activities; there are no symptoms from ordinary activities.
Class II: slight, mild limitation of activity; the patient is comfortable at rest or with mild exertion.
Class III: marked limitation of any activity; the patient is comfortable only at rest.
Class IV: any physical activity brings on discomfort and symptoms occur at rest.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 21
Incorrect
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What is the main reason for checking the urea and electrolytes prior to commencing a patient on amiodarone?
Your Answer: To detect impaired renal function
Correct Answer: To detect hypokalaemia
Explanation:All antiarrhythmic drugs have the potential to cause arrhythmias. Coexistent hypokalaemia significantly increases this risk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 22
Correct
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Which of the following concerning PR interval is INCORRECT?
Your Answer: Always measured from the beginning of p wave to the beginning of r wave
Explanation:The PR interval measures the time from the start of atrial depolarization to the start of ventricular depolarization. The PR interval is only measured from the beginning of P wave to beginning of R wave if the Q wave is absent.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 23
Incorrect
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following is true with AV nodal delay?
Your Answer: Shortened by sympathetic stimulation
Explanation:AV nodal delay Is about 0.1s before the action potential spreads to the ventricles. It is shortened by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and lengthened by stimulation of the parasympathetic system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 25
Correct
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Calcium induced calcium release occurs in the sarcoplasmic reticulum by activation of which receptors
Your Answer: Ryanodine receptors
Explanation:Calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) describes a biological process whereby calcium is able to activate calcium release from intracellular Ca2+ stores (e.g., endoplasmic reticulum or sarcoplasmic reticulum). CICR occurs when the resulting Ca2+ influx activates ryanodine receptors on the SR membrane, which causes more Ca2+ to be released into the cytosol.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 26
Correct
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The posterior aspect of the interventricular septum is supplied by:
Your Answer: A branch of the right coronary artery
Explanation:The posterior aspect of the heart is supplied by the posterior interventricular artery which is a branch of the right coronary artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 27
Correct
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The heart rate can be accelerated by:
Your Answer: Exercise and thyroid hormones
Explanation:The firing of the SA node will increase due to exercises and as the thyroid hormone has a chronotropic effect on the heart, it too will result in an increase in the heart rate via stimulation of the adrenergic receptors of the heart. As during exercise the sympathetic nervous system is activated, it will directly have an positive chronotropic effect on the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 28
Correct
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The following are examples of the functions of the vascular endothelium except:
Your Answer: Tumour suppression
Explanation:Vascular endothelium has many important functions including regulation of vascular tone, molecular exchange between blood and tissue compartments, hemostasis and signaling for the immune regulation and inflammation. Depending on specific tissue needs and local stresses, endothelial cells are capable of evoking either antithrombotic or prothrombotic events. Tumor suppression is related to genes, or anti-oncogenes, that regulate a cell during cell division and replication.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 29
Incorrect
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In Starling’s law of the heart, the decrease in tension developed by muscle contraction at high degrees of stretch is due to:
Your Answer: A decrease in the number of cross bridges between myosin and actin
Correct Answer: Disruption of myocardial fibers
Explanation:Starling law states that the force of contraction is directly proportional to the preload. When the heart muscle is stretched beyond its limit the tension that is developed decreases, this is not due to loss of formation of effective myosin and actin cross bridges. The heart muscles despite being fully stretched is never stretched to this point. The reason for this decreased tension is physical disruption of the myocardial fibers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 30
Correct
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Which one of the following have not been shown to improve mortality in patients with chronic heart failure?
Your Answer: Furosemide
Explanation:A number of drugs have been shown to improve mortality in patients with chronic heart failure:
- ACE inhibitors (SAVE, SOLVD, CONSENSUS)
- spironolactone (RALES)
- beta-blockers (CIBIS)
- hydralazine with nitrates (VHEFT-1)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 31
Correct
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Pacemaker cells in the SA node and the AV node are connected by?
Your Answer: Gap junctions
Explanation:Gap junctions allows for rapid propagation of the action potential from one cell to the other. The cells of the heart are connected by gap junctions.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 32
Incorrect
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Which of the following suggests the presence of mitral regurgitation as well as mitral stenosis?
Your Answer: Loud P2
Correct Answer: Displaced apex beat
Explanation:Mitral stenosis on its own does not lead to left ventricular dilatation and hence a displaced apex beat. Thus a displaced apex beat is suggestive of mixed mitral disease. The other options occur in mitral stenosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 33
Incorrect
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Which of the following statements is true regarding pulsus alternans?
Your Answer: It is associated with right ventricular failure
Correct Answer: It is found in association with a third heart sound
Explanation:Pulsus alternans is a physical finding with arterial pulse waveform showing alternating strong and weak beats. It is almost always indicative of left ventricular systolic impairment, and carries a poor prognosis. A pathological third heart sound is usually associated.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 34
Correct
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Which one of the following ECG findings is least associated with digoxin use?
Your Answer: Prolonged QT interval
Explanation:Digoxin ECG features:•   ST depression (‘reverse tick’)•   flattened/inverted T waves• Prolonged PR interval•   short QT interval•   arrhythmias e.g. AV block, bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (for example paroxysmal atrial tachycardia with A-V block – so-called PAT with block) is said to be pathognomonic (i.e. diagnostic) of digoxin toxicity.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 35
Incorrect
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Where would one find pericytes around endothelial cells?
Your Answer: Smaller arteries
Correct Answer: Post-capillary venules
Explanation:Pericytes release a wide variety of vasoactive agents which regulate the flow through the junction between endothelial cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 36
Incorrect
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According to Poiseuille’s formula, which 1 of the following will lead to increased flow?
Your Answer: Less turbulent flow
Correct Answer: Shorter tube
Explanation:V = π p r4 / 8 η lwhere V = discharge volume flow (m3/s)p = pressure difference between the ends of the pipe (N/m2, Pa)r = internal radius of pipe (m)l = length of pipe (m)η = viscosity of fluid
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 37
Correct
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Question 38
Incorrect
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The branche(s) of the left coronary artery include:
Your Answer: Left circumflex artery
Correct Answer: Left circumflex artery & anterior interventricular artery
Explanation:The left main coronary divides into branches:
1. The left anterior descending artery branches off the left coronary artery and supplies blood to the front of the left side of the heart.
2. The circumflex artery branches off the left coronary artery and encircles the heart muscle.
The anterior interventricular artery is otherwise known as the anterior descending branch. The posterior descending artery comes from Right coronary artery.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 39
Correct
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The coronary arteries fill during?
Your Answer: Diastole
Explanation:During systole the coronary arteries collapse as a result of the pressure due to contraction that is exerted on them. During diastole the heart muscle relaxes and the pressure on the coronary vessels is relieved allowing blood to flow through them to the subendocardium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 40
Incorrect
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With regards to the cardiac cycle which of the following is true
Your Answer: Pulmonary arterial pressure is usually higher than aortic pressure
Correct Answer: Right atrial systole occurs before left atrial systole: as below
Explanation:Cardiac cycle: The first event in the cycle is atrial depolarization (a P wave on the surface ECG) follows by RIGHT ATRIAL and then LEFT ATRIAL contraction. Ventricular activation (QRS) follows after a short interval (the PR interval). LEFT VENTRICULAR contraction starts shortly thereafter RIGHT VENTRICULAR contraction begins. At the end, the aortic valve closure is followed by pulmonary valve closure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 41
Correct
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Question 42
Incorrect
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Where are the baroreceptors of the great arteries located?
Your Answer: In the smooth muscle
Correct Answer: In the adventitia
Explanation:Arterial baroreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses, and are formed by small nerve endings present in the adventitia of these vessels.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 43
Correct
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Although variable, branches of which artery most often supply the SA and AV nodes?
Your Answer: Right coronary artery
Explanation:The RCA (right coronary artery) supplies the SA and the AV nodes along with the postero-basal wall of the left ventricle, posterior one third of the inferior vena cava, right ventricle and the posteromedial papillary muscle in the left ventricle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 44
Incorrect
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In the cardiac cycle, all of the following are true except:
Your Answer: The left ventricular volume is maximal at the end of atrial systole
Correct Answer: Mitral valve is closed by contraction of papillary muscles
Explanation:Mitral valve is closed by contraction of papillary muscles: This statement is incorrect. The mitral valve closes due to the pressure difference between the left ventricle and the left atrium at the onset of ventricular systole. The papillary muscles contract to prevent prolapse of the valve into the atrium but do not cause the valve to close.
The left ventricular volume is maximal at the end of atrial systole: This statement is true. At the end of atrial systole, the atria have pushed the remaining blood into the ventricles, making the ventricular volume maximal (end-diastolic volume).
The left ventricular pressure is maximal just before the aortic valve opens: This statement is true. Left ventricular pressure peaks just before the aortic valve opens, as the ventricle contracts to overcome the pressure in the aorta.
The ejection fraction is about 55%: This statement is true. The ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood ejected from the ventricles with each contraction, is typically around 55%.
The ‘a’ wave is due to atrial systole: This statement is true. The ‘a’ wave on the venous pressure curve corresponds to atrial systole, reflecting the increased pressure from atrial contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 45
Correct
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Question 46
Correct
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The following contributes to the rate of depolarization?
Your Answer: All of the options given
Explanation:Depolarization occurs due to impulses generated by the SA node. As the heart beats to the rhythm of the SA node, certain factors will effect the rate of depolarization. All the mentioned options effect the rate of depolarization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 47
Correct
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Myocardium requires more oxygen to expel blood in:
Your Answer: A stenotic aortic valve
Explanation:In aortic valve stenosis, increased ventricular pressure Is needed to expel the blood into the aorta. Increased pressure means increased contractility hence increase O2 consumption by the heart muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 48
Incorrect
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Impulse conduction through the AV node is slow and depends on the action potential produced by which of the following.
Your Answer: Sodium diffusion
Correct Answer: Calcium flux
Explanation:The action potentials in the SA and AV nodes are largely due to Ca2+, with no contribution by Na+ influx.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 49
Correct
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Which of the following results in the resting membrane potential of a myocyte?
Your Answer: Activation of outward K+ channels
Explanation:Phase 0 is caused by the sodium current. Voltage gated sodium channels open leading to the influx of sodium into the cardiac muscle cell. Phase 1 is the rapid transient repolarization phase which is caused by the inactivation of the voltage gated sodium channels and opening of the voltage gated potassium channels along with opening of the slow calcium channels. Phase 2 which is the plateau is caused by opening of the slow calcium channels. Phase 4 is caused by closing of the slow calcium channels and opening of the potassium channels leading to efflux of potassium leading to the establishment of the resting membrane potential.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 50
Correct
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Question 51
Correct
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Depolarization spreads rapidly through cardiac muscle fibers because of the presence of:
Your Answer: Gap junctions
Explanation:The cardiac muscles have gap junctions in between the cells. They allow for the formation of low resistance passages, which allow ions to diffuse through every muscle fiber rapidly and result in the cardiac muscles functioning as a syncytium, without any protoplasmic bridges involved.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 52
Correct
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Preload:
Your Answer: Is the degree to which the myocardium is stretched before is contracts
Explanation:Preload is end diastolic volume. It is the degree to which the heart muscle fiber is stretched when it fills up completely just before the heart contracts.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 53
Incorrect
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Select the correct statement regarding the 4th heart sound, it?
Your Answer: Coincides with rapid ventricular filling.
Correct Answer: Can be heard in atrial systole.
Explanation:The fourth heart sound is not normally audible in a normal adult. It occurs as a consequence of ventricular hypertrophy. It is caused by filling of the ventricle by atrial systole.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 54
Correct
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Regarding cardiac muscle contractility, the afterload refers to:
Your Answer: The resistance against which blood is expected
Explanation:The afterload for the left ventricle is the aortic pressure. Hence it is this pressure that offers resistance against which the blood is to be expelled from the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 55
Incorrect
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The effects of β1 stimulation include the following
Your Answer: Dephosphorylation of l type Ca++ channel s
Correct Answer: Increased strength of contraction
Explanation:β1 stimulation include the phosphorylation of L type Ca++ channels and phospholamban and increased Ca++ influx from myocytes.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 56
Correct
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The AV Node:
Your Answer: It decelerates impulses passing to the ventricles
Explanation:The action potentials in the sinoatrial (SA) and atrioventricular (AV) nodes are largely due to Ca2+, with no contribution by Na+ influx. The depolarization continues to conduct slowly through the atrioventricular (AV) node. The AV node is located in the right posterior portion of the interatrial septum. This is small and bean-shaped. The atrial conductive system is organized so that the cardiac impulse does not travel from the atria into the ventricles too rapidly; this delay allows the atria to empty before ventricular contraction begins. It is the AV node and its adjacent conductive fibers that delay this transmission into the ventricles. Conduction through the AV Node is represented on the ECG by the PR interval.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 57
Correct
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Why does arterial blood pressure drop during pregnancy?
Your Answer: Progesterone relaxes vascular smooth muscle
Explanation:Progesterone relaxes vascular smooth muscle thus resulting In a decrease in total peripheral resistance. This accounts for the increase in the cardiac output.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 58
Correct
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Question 59
Correct
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Question 60
Correct
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The following is true in relation to coronary venous drainage?
Your Answer: Most venous return ultimately drains into right atrium via the coronary sinus
Explanation:Most of the venous blood returns to the heart via the coronary sinus and the anterior cardiac veins. Apart from these there are other vessels that drain directly into the heart chambers
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 61
Correct
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Which of the following structures is not part of the conducting system of the heart?
Your Answer: Ventricular wall
Explanation:The conduction system of the heart consists of the SA node, AV node, internodal pathway between these two nodes, Bundle of His and the purkinje fibers
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 62
Correct
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Question 63
Correct
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Which factors increase the end-diastolic volume?
Your Answer: Constriction of veins
Explanation:End diastolic volume is also known as preload. It is the amount of blood the heart contracts against. Constriction of veins will decrease venous pooling and increase venous return, hence increasing the end diastolic volume. Standing will increase venous pooling hence decreasing venous return and end diastolic volume. Raised intrapericardial pressure will also decrease venous return and hence end diastolic volume.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 64
Correct
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In a normal heart rate at rest, the left ventricular end-diastolic volume is ….
Your Answer: 100-130 ml
Explanation:In cardiovascular physiology, end-diastolic volume (EDV) is the volume of blood in the right and/or left ventricle at end load or filling in (diastole) or the amount of blood in the ventricles just before systole. Because greater EDVs cause greater distention of the ventricle, EDV is often used synonymously with preload, which refers to the length of the sarcomeres in cardiac muscle prior to contraction (systole). End-diastolic volume: Right = 144 mL(± 23mL) & Left = 142 mL (± 21 mL).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 65
Correct
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Question 66
Correct
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Which coronary artery supplies the right atria?
Your Answer: Right coronary
Explanation:The left coronary artery distributes blood to the left side of the heart, the left atrium and ventricle, and the interventricular septum. The circumflex artery arises from the left coronary artery and follows the coronary sulcus to the left. Eventually, it will fuse with the small branches of the right coronary artery. The right coronary artery proceeds along the coronary sulcus and distributes blood to the right atrium, portions of both ventricles, and the heart conduction system.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 67
Incorrect
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The internodal tract of Bachman:
Your Answer: Its main function is to reduce the amount of conduction to the AV node
Correct Answer: Connects the SA node to the AV node
Explanation:Internodal tract of Bachman connects the SA node to the AV node conducting the electrical impulses generated from the SA node to the AV node and from the AV node to the rest of the electrical complex of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 68
Incorrect
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The process by which depolarization of the muscle fiber initiates contraction is called?
Your Answer: Excitation – contraction coupling
Correct Answer: Action potential
Explanation:This process is known as an action potential. Upon generation of an action potential when depolarization reaches threshold, it spreads throughout the muscle fiber, resulting in generation of an excitation-contraction coupling leading to contraction of the muscle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 69
Correct
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The rate of depolarisation of the sinus node membrane potential is modulated by all the following except:
Your Answer: Cardiac output
Explanation:Cardiac output has no effect on the depolarization of the pacemaker potential of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 70
Correct
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During exercise, a man consumes 2L O2/min, his arterial 02 content is 190 ml/l and the 02 content of his mixed venous blood is 130ml/l. His cardiac output is approximately:
Your Answer: 33l/min
Explanation:In Fick’s original method, the following variables are measured:VO2, oxygen consumption in ml of pure gaseous oxygen per minute. This may be measured using a spirometer within a closed rebreathing circuit incorporating a CO2 absorberCa, the oxygen concentration of blood taken from the pulmonary vein (representing oxygenated blood)Cv, the oxygen concentration of blood from an intravenous cannula (representing deoxygenated blood)From these values, we know that:VO2 = (CO x Ca) – (CO x Cv)where CO = Cardiac Output, Ca = Oxygen concentration of arterial blood and Cv = Oxygen concentration of mixed venous blood.This allows us to sayCO = VO2/{Ca – Cv}and hence calculate cardiac output.Therefore CO = 2/(0.190-0.130) = 33l/minNote that (Ca – Cv) is also known as the arteriovenous oxygen difference.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 71
Incorrect
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The function of Troponin T in cardiac muscle is?
Your Answer: Generation of ATP which is passed on to the contractile mechanism
Correct Answer: Allows attachment of troponin components to tropomyosin
Explanation:Troponin T binds the troponin components to tropomyosin. Troponin I inhibits the interaction of myosin with actin, and troponin C contains the binding sites for the Ca2+ that helps initiate contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 72
Incorrect
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Concerning surface anatomy, where is the base of the heart
Your Answer: 4th intercostal space anterior axillary line
Correct Answer: 2nd left costal to 3rd right costal cartilage
Explanation:The base of the heart, also known as the superior border of the heart corresponds to a line connecting the inferior border of the 2nd left costal cartilage to the superior border of the 3rd right costal cartilage.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 73
Incorrect
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Tunica intima is made up of?
Your Answer: Smooth muscle cells
Correct Answer: Endothelial cells
Explanation:Tunica intima is a single cell thick lining of endothelial cells that lines the inside of the blood vessels. It is the inner most layer of the blood vessel.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 74
Correct
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Coronary vasoconstriction can be caused by:
Your Answer: Beta blockage
Explanation:Coronary arteries contain alpha and beta receptors. The alpha receptor stimulates vasoconstriction and beta receptors stimulate vasodilation. When the chronotropic and inotropic effects of noradrenergic receptors are blocked by a B blocking drug, stimulation of the noradrenergic nerves will cause coronary vasoconstriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 75
Correct
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The coronary sinus, which empties into the right atrium, serves to?
Your Answer: Drain the venous supply of the myocardium
Explanation:The coronary sinus is a collection of veins joined together to form a large vessel that collects blood from the heart muscle (myocardium). It delivers deoxygenated blood to the right atrium, as do the superior and inferior vena cava.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 76
Correct
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Transport of Ca2+ into the reticulum to initiate cardiac muscle relaxation in via:
Your Answer: Serca (sarcoplasmic or endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase)
Explanation:Phosphorylation of phospholamban, which increases calcium ATPase activity and sequestration of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. An increased rate of relaxation is explained because cAMP also activates the protein phospholamban, situated on the membrane of the SR, that controls the rate of uptake of calcium into the SR. The latter effect explains enhanced relaxation (lusitropic effect).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 77
Incorrect
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Which membrane bound protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum regulates calcium return from the cytosol to the sarcoplasmic reticulum?
Your Answer: Calmodulin
Correct Answer: Phospholamban
Explanation:Phosphorylation of phospholamban increases calcium ATPase activity and sequestration of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. An increased rate of relaxation is explained because cAMP also activates the protein phospholamban, situated on the membrane of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), that controls the rate of uptake of calcium into the SR. The latter effect explains enhanced relaxation (lusitropic effect).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 78
Correct
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Stimulation of the carotid sinus results in:
Your Answer: Drop in blood pressure
Explanation:Stimulation of the carotid sinus will result in an increase in the baroreceptor discharge. This will travel via the afferent nerves to the medulla. Signals will pass through the vagus nerve to decrease the sympathetic outflow to the heart and the blood vessels. This inhibition will result in vasodilation of the blood vessels, venodilation and bradycardia hence decreasing the total peripheral resistance and lowering the blood pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 79
Correct
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When looking at the JVP what does the c wave signify:
Your Answer: Isovolumetric ventricular contraction
Explanation:The C wave signifies a rise in the atrial pressure during isovolumetric contraction due to the tricuspid valve bulging into the atria.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 80
Correct
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Endothelial cells are attached to adjacent cells by adherent junctions via:
Your Answer: Cadherins
Explanation:Cadherins are calcium dependant molecules that mediate cell to cell adhesions in epithelial and endothelial cells among others.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 81
Correct
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Regarding blood supply to the heart;
Your Answer: Coronary arteries fill as the heart relaxes
Explanation:The heart muscles acts like the skeletal muscle in the fact that it also compress the vessels during contraction. As the pressure in the ventricle is slightly greater than in the aorta the coronary vessels collapse during systole. Blood flows through them during the diastole phase of contraction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 82
Correct
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In which area is depolarization initiated?
Your Answer: SA node
Explanation:SA node is the pacemaker of the heart. It determines the rate of contractions. It is the place where depolarization is initiated. It exhibits phase 4 depolarization or automaticity. Electrical impulses then spread to the AV node, purkinje fibers, bundle of his and the ventricular muscles.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 83
Incorrect
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Which vaso metabolite decreases coronary blood flow?
Your Answer: Co2
Correct Answer: Endothelin
Explanation:Decreased O2, increased CO2, lactate, prostaglandins, adenine nucleotides, adenosine, H+, K+ and cyanide produce vasodilation and thus an increase in coronary blood flow.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 84
Correct
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Adrenergic stimulation will lead to myocyte relaxation via the following mechanisms
Your Answer: Increased phosphorylation of phosholamban
Explanation:Phosphorylation of phospholamban, which increases calcium ATPase activity and sequestration of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. An increased rate of relaxation is explained because cAMP also activates the protein phospholamban, situated on the membrane of the SR, that controls the rate of uptake of calcium into the SR. The latter effect explains enhanced relaxation (lusitropic effect).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 85
Correct
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The following products of the vascular endothelium produce vasodilation except:
Your Answer: Endothelin
Explanation:Endothelin: This is incorrect in the context of vasodilation. Endothelin is actually a potent vasoconstrictor produced by the endothelium, leading to the narrowing of blood vessels and increased blood pressure.
Nitrous oxide (Nitric oxide): This is correct for vasodilation. Nitric oxide is a powerful vasodilator produced by the endothelium, which helps relax and widen blood vessels.
Prostacyclin: This is correct for vasodilation. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a vasodilator and inhibits platelet aggregation, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce clot formation.
Endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF): This is correct for vasodilation. EDHF causes vasodilation by hyperpolarizing the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): This is correct for vasodilation. VEGF primarily promotes the growth of new blood vessels but also has vasodilatory effects through nitric oxide production.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 86
Incorrect
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Regarding the cardiac muscle striations as viewed under the microscope, which areas are dark?
Your Answer: I band and z line
Correct Answer: A band and z line
Explanation:Dark bands: a, h. Dark line: z. Clear band: i, m
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 87
Correct
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Myocardial contractility is improved by:
Your Answer: Caffeine
Explanation:Caffeine and other theophyllines breakdown cAMP and have a positive ionotropic effect on the heart. Drugs like quinidine, procainamide and conditions like hypoxia and hypercapnia decreases the contractility of the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 88
Correct
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Dicrotic notch is produced by which valves?
Your Answer: Aortic
Explanation:The graph of aortic pressure throughout the cardiac cycle displays a small dip (the incisure or dicrotic notch) which coincides with the aortic valve closure. The dip in the graph is immediately followed by a brief rise (the dicrotic wave) then gradual decline.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 89
Correct
-
Water hammer pulse is found in:
Your Answer: Aortic insufficiency
Explanation:Watson’s water hammer pulse is the medical sign which describes a pulse that is bounding and forceful, rapidly increasing and subsequently collapsing, as if it were the sound of a water hammer that was causing the pulse. A water hammer was a Victorian toy in which a tube was half filled with fluid, the remainder being a vacuum. The child would invert and reinvert the tube; each time the impact of the fluid at each end would sound like a hammer blow. This is associated with increased stroke volume of the left ventricle and decrease in the peripheral resistance leading to the widened pulse pressure of aortic regurgitation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 90
Correct
-
The celiac trunk consists of which arteries?
Your Answer: Left gastric, common hepatic, splenic
Explanation:The celiac trunk is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta. It is 1.25 cm in length. Branching from the aorta at thoracic vertebra 12 (T12). There are three main divisions of the celiac artery:- left gastric artery- common hepatic artery- splenic artery
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 91
Correct
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What is the effect of catecholamines (i.e. increased heart rate) on the pressure volume loop?
Your Answer: Shifts the diastolic pressure curve upward and leftward
Explanation:Catecholamines have a positive ionotropic and chronotropic effect on the heart. The ventricles develop greater tension during systole resulting in an increase in the stroke volume. The increase in stroke volume results in a decrease in the end diastolic volume. This pushes the loop towards the left and upwards.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 92
Incorrect
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Which of the following occurs during a Valsalva manoeuvre?
Your Answer: Low intrathoracic pressures throughout
Correct Answer: An initial rise in blood pressure
Explanation:The Valsalva maneuver involves forced expiration against a closed glottis. It has several phases, each affecting the cardiovascular system differently:
- Phase I: During the initial forced expiration against the closed glottis, there is a transient rise in intrathoracic pressure, which compresses the thoracic aorta and causes a brief increase in blood pressure.
- Phase II: Continued straining leads to decreased venous return to the heart, reducing cardiac output and causing a drop in blood pressure. This phase is characterized by a compensatory increase in heart rate.
- Phase III: Upon releasing the strain, there is a sudden drop in intrathoracic pressure, which momentarily decreases blood pressure.
- Phase IV: Blood pressure then rises rapidly as venous return to the heart is restored, leading to increased cardiac output. This is often followed by a reflex bradycardia (slow heart rate).
Given these phases, the most accurate statement about what occurs during the Valsalva maneuver is the initial rise in blood pressure (Phase I).
Other options explained:
- Forced inspiration against a closed glottis: Incorrect. The Valsalva maneuver involves forced expiration, not inspiration, against a closed glottis.
- Low intrathoracic pressures throughout: Incorrect. The Valsalva maneuver involves high intrathoracic pressures due to forced expiration.
- Disruption of autonomic function: Incorrect. The Valsalva maneuver affects autonomic function but does not disrupt it. Instead, it triggers autonomic responses to changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
- No change: Incorrect. The Valsalva maneuver causes significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 93
Correct
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Question 94
Correct
-
Currents caused by opening of which of the following channels contribute to the repolarization phase of the action potential of the ventricular muscle fibers?
Your Answer: Potassium channels
Explanation:Depolarization occurs due to opening of the voltage gated sodium channels. Repolarization occurs due to opening of the voltage gates potassium channels causing an out flux of potassium ions, decreasing the membrane potential towards resting potential.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 95
Incorrect
-
Which of the following factors serve to decrease cardiac output?
Your Answer: Pregnancy
Correct Answer: Standing from a lying position
Explanation:Sleep has no effect on the cardiac output. Anxiety, excitement, increased body temperature and pregnancy will increase the cardiac output. Standing from a lying position will decrease the cardiac output transiently.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 96
Incorrect
-
Which of the following intercellular connections is important in endothelial barrier function?
Your Answer: Hemidesmosomes
Correct Answer: Tight junctions
Explanation:Tight junctions surround the apical margins of the epithelial cells such as in the intestinal mucosa and the choroid plexus. They are also important to the endothelial barrier function. They are made up of ridges that adhere to each other strongly at the cell junction, obliterating the space completely between the cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 97
Incorrect
-
Which of the following has the shortest duration:
Your Answer: PR interval
Correct Answer: Atrial systole
Explanation:Atrial systole: 0.1s
Atrial diastole: around 0.4s
Ventricular diastole: 0.4-0.53s
Ventricular systole: 0.27s
PR interval: 0.12-0.2 s
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 98
Correct
-
Which of the following conditions has no effect on cardiac output?
Your Answer: Sleep
Explanation:Sleep has no effect on the cardiac output. Anxiety, excitement and pregnancy will increase the cardiac output. Standing from a lying position will decrease the cardiac output transiently.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 99
Correct
-
Regarding the length of systole and diastole which of the following is true?
Your Answer: The duration of systole is more fixed than diastole
Explanation:The duration of systole is more fixed than the duration of diastole. When the heart rate increases the timing of systole remains more or less the same however, diastole decreases.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 100
Incorrect
-
The approximate incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the general population each year is:
Your Answer: 0.1 per 1000
Correct Answer: 1 per 1000
Explanation:About 1 in 1000 adults per year has DVT, but as of 2011, available data is dominated by North American and European populations. DVT is rare in children, with an incidence of about 1 in 100,000 a year. From childhood to old age, incidence increases by a factor of about 1000, with almost 1% of the elderly experiencing DVTs yearly.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
