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Question 1
Correct
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Cholinergic vagal supply to the SA and AV nodes results in slowing of the heart rate via:
Your Answer: M2 muscarinic receptors
Explanation:M2 muscarinic receptors are the receptors for the parasympathetic system to the SA and the AV node.
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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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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 3
Correct
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The ability of the SA node cells to allow ionic flow through channels activated in a hyperpolarized state is known as:
Your Answer: Pace maker potential
Explanation:Rhythmically discharging cells have a membrane potential that, after each impulse, declines to the firing level. Thus this prepotential or Pacemaker potential triggers the next impulse. The inherent leakiness of the sinus nodal fibers to Na+ and Ca2+ causes their self excitation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 4
Incorrect
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Which of the following isoforms of Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is found in endothelial cells?
Your Answer: Nos 2
Correct Answer: Nos 3
Explanation:There are only 3 isoforms:NOS 1: found in nervous systemNOS 2: in macrophages and other immune cellsNOS 3: In endothelial cells
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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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In Jugular vein pressure the “a” wave represents?
Your Answer: Atrial systole
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 and two downward deflections 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 6
Correct
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Which of the following would be a contraindication to thrombolysis?
Your Answer: Intracranial neoplasm
Explanation:Absolute contraindications to thrombolysis include:
- Previous intracranial bleeding at any time
- Stroke in less than 6 months
- Closed head or facial trauma within 3 months
- Suspected aortic dissection
- Ischemic stroke within 3 months (except in ischemic stroke within 3 hours time)
- Active bleeding diathesis
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (>180 systolic or >100 diastolic)
- Known structural cerebral vascular lesion
- Arterio-venous malformations
- Thrombocytopenia
- Known coagulation disorders
- Aneurysm
- Brain tumours
- Pericardial effusion
- Septic embolus
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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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Why is the sub-endocardial portion of the left ventricle the most common site for ischaemic damage and myocardial infarction?
Your Answer: No blood flow occurs during systole
Explanation:The subendocardium receives the least amount of blood from the coronary arteries. 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 8
Incorrect
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In a normal heart rate at rest, the left ventricular end-diastolic volume is ….
Your Answer: 30-50 ml
Correct 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 9
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 10
Incorrect
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Which one of the following is a risk factor for torsade de pointes?
Your Answer: Hypercalcaemia
Correct Answer: Hypothermia
Explanation:The following is a list of factors associated with an increased tendency toward torsades de pointes:- Hypokalaemia (low blood potassium)- Hypomagnesemia (low blood magnesium)- Hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium)- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)- Heart failure- Left ventricular hypertrophy- Hypothermia- Subarachnoid haemorrhage- Hypothyroidism
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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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Concerning surface anatomy, where is the mitral valve found?
Your Answer: Situated in the 4th intercostal space to the left of the sternum
Explanation:The mitral valve is situated in the left 4th intercostal space just beneath the sternum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 12
Correct
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Where does the SA node develop?
Your 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 13
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 14
Correct
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Question 15
Correct
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The following is true of the sinus node:
Your Answer: It generates impulses automatically & at a quicker rate than other cardiac cells
Explanation:The SA node exhibits automaticity. It generates the impulses to which the heart beats. It fires at a faster speed than the rest of the nervous components of the heart i.e. the AV nodes, purkinje fibers. This is the reason when the SA node fails the heart beats to the rhythm of the AV node.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Concerning surface anatomy, where is the aortic valve found?
Your Answer: Situated in the right third intercostal space underneath the sternum
Correct Answer: Situated in the left third intercostal space underneath the sternum
Explanation:The aortic valve is situated in the left 3rd intercostal space just beneath the sternum.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 17
Incorrect
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Endothelial cells are attached to adjacent cells by adherent junctions via:
Your Answer: Integrins
Correct 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 18
Correct
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Question 19
Incorrect
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Which of the following regulates the calcium release channels?
Your Answer: Phospholambin
Correct Answer: Calstabin 2
Explanation:Ca2+ is released from the SR through a Ca2+ release channel, a cardiac isoform of the ryanodine receptor (RyR2), which controls intracytoplasmic [Ca2+] and, as in vascular smooth-muscle cells, leads to the local changes in intracellular [Ca2+] called calcium sparks. A number of regulatory proteins, including calstabin 2, inhibit RyR2 and, thereby, the release of Ca2+ from the SR.
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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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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 21
Incorrect
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Question 22
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 23
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT associated with the development of aortic regurgitation?
Your Answer: Dilated cardiomyopathy
Explanation:Aortic insufficiency, is often due to the aortic root dilation, which is idiopathic in over 80% of cases, but otherwise may result from aging, syphilitic aortitis, osteogenesis imperfecta, aortic dissection, Bechet’s disease, reactive arthritis and systemic hypertension. Additionally, aortic insufficiency has been linked to the use of some medications and other potential causes that affect the valve directly including Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. In acute cases of aortic insufficiency, the main causes are infective endocarditis, aortic dissection or trauma. Dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with the development of mitral regurgitation, not aortic regurgitation
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 24
Correct
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Which of the following phases in depolarization and repolarization of cardiac muscle cells are caused by the inactivation of Na+ channels?
Your Answer: Phase 1 : rapid repolarization
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 25
Correct
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Concerning surface anatomy, where is the apex beat found?
Your Answer: 5th intercostal space mid clavicular line
Explanation:The location of the apex beat may vary but it is mostly found in the left 5th intercostal space 6 cm from the anterior median line or in the mid clavicular line.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Digoxin causes:
Your Answer: Decrease in cardiac contractility
Correct Answer: Increase in cytosolic calcium concentration
Explanation:Digoxin is a positive inotrope which inhibits NA/K ATPase, increases cardiac contractility and can cause hypokalaemia.
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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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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 28
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 29
Incorrect
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The isoforms of nitric oxide synthase which are found in the nervous system (NOS1) and endothelial cells (NOS3) are activated by agents that increase which of the following intracellular electrolytes?
Your Answer: K
Correct Answer: Ca
Explanation:Synthesis of nitric oxide is stimulated by activation of the NMDA receptors by certain agents. This leads to opening of the Calcium channels and an influx of calcium into the cell. This will activate the nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide is produced on demand.
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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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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 31
Correct
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Myocardial oxygen consumption is increased by:
Your Answer: An increase in after load
Explanation:Cardiac oxygen consumption is directly related to the amount of tension that develops in the ventricles. It is increased by an increased size of heart, increased afterload, increased contractility and increased heart rate.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 32
Correct
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How does pregnancy affect the cardiac output of a patient?
Your 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 33
Correct
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Regarding the myofilament molecules, which of the following contains binding sites for calcium that helps to initiate contraction?
Your Answer: Troponin c
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 34
Correct
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The basic unit of contraction in myocytes is:
Your Answer: Sarcomere
Explanation:Sarcomere is the organelle where calcium is stored to be released during contraction of the muscle. It is the basic unit of contraction in striated muscle fibers. As myocytes are also striated muscles, sarcomeres also forms the basic unit of contraction. The impulses travel along the membrane and via its interaction with the dihydropyridine receptors it releases the stored calcium.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 35
Correct
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In cardiac muscle, which of the following is directly responsible for the release of Ca2+ stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium-induced calcium release)?
Your Answer: Ryanodine receptor (RyR)
Explanation:Ryanodine receptor (RyR) is a ligand-gated Ca2+ channel with Ca2+ as its natural ligand. In skeletal muscle, Ca2+ entry from ECF by this route is not required for Ca2+ release. Instead, the DHPR that serves as the voltage sensor unlocks release of Ca2+ from the nearby SR via physical interaction with the RyR. The release is amplified through ca-induced ca release. However, in cardiac muscle, it is the influx of extracellular Ca2+ through the voltage-sensitive DHPR in the T system that triggers ca-induced ca release trough the RyR at the SR.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 36
Correct
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Troponin I is inhibited by calcium binding to:
Your Answer: Troponin c
Explanation:At rest troponin I is bound to actin and tropomyosin and covers the site where the myosin head interacts with actin. When calcium enters into the muscle, it binds with troponin C and cause a structural change in troponin I which moves out of the myosin binding site and causes the cross bridges between the actin and myosin filaments to occur.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 37
Incorrect
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Which of the following is first to rise following myocardial infarction?
Your Answer: Troponin I
Correct Answer: Myoglobin
Explanation:Myoglobin, is a sensitive indicator of muscle injury and is first to rise following MI within two hours but is nonspecific.Troponin and CK-MB both begin to rise approximately three hours after MI. The cardiac troponins T and I which are released within 4–6 hours of an attack of MI and remain elevated for up to 2 weeks, have nearly complete tissue specificity and are now the preferred markers for assessing myocardial damage.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) begins to rise approximately 12 hours after MI.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 38
Correct
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Direct conduction from the atrium to the ventricles is prevented by:
Your Answer: Annulus fibrosus
Explanation:The annulus fibrosus disconnects the syncytium complex. The atria are rapidly activated however the activation peters out when the insulating layer-the annulus fibrosus-is reached.
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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 areas of extensive series of sarcoplasmic folds known as intercalated discs always occur at what portion of the muscle fiber?
Your Answer: Z lines
Explanation:The muscle fibers of the heart branch and interdigitate, but one complete unit is surrounded by a cell membrane. The place where one muscle fiber abuts the other, the cell membrane of both the fibers run parallel to each other through a series of extensive folds. These areas always occur on the Z lines and are known as intercalated discs.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 40
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 41
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 conformational change in the myosin head at high degrees of stretch.
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 42
Incorrect
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Where on the surface of the chest is the normal site of auscultation for the mitral area?
Your Answer: 6th intercostal space mid-clavicular line
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 43
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 44
Incorrect
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Question 45
Correct
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The V wave in the jugular pulse is caused by:
Your Answer: Atrial filling
Explanation:The v wave reflects the passive increase in pressure and volume of the right atrium as it fills in late systole and early diastole.
The jugular vein pulsations usually have two elevations and two troughs. The first elevation (a wave) corresponds to the slight rise in atrial pressure resulting from atrial contraction. The first descent (x descent) reflects a fall in atrial pressure that starts with atrial relaxation. The second elevation (v wave) corresponds to ventricular systole when blood is entering the right atrium from the vena cavae while the tricuspid valve is closed. Finally, the second descent (y descent) reflects falling right atrial pressure as the tricuspid valve opens and blood drains from the atrium into the ventricle.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 46
Incorrect
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Vasodilatation in skeletal muscle can be caused by:
Your Answer: Neuropeptide y
Correct Answer: Sympathetic cholinergic nerves
Explanation:In skeletal muscles some fibers that cause vasodilation run with the nerves of the sympathetic system but are cholinergic in nature. These nerves are not active during rest but become active during exercise and stress.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 47
Incorrect
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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 to the right
Correct 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 48
Correct
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Factors influencing cardiac output include which of the following?
Your Answer: All of the above
Explanation:There is a correlation between resting CO and body surface area. The output per min per square meter of body surface (the cardiac index) averages 3.2l.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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Question 49
Incorrect
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Depolarization of the T tubule membrane activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum via which receptors?
Your Answer: Ryanodine receptors
Correct Answer: Dihydropyridine receptors
Explanation:Action potentials are transmitted to the fibrils of a fiber through the T tubule system. It triggers the release of Ca 2+ form the terminal cisterns. Depolarization of the T tubules activates the sarcoplasmic reticulum through the dihydropyridine receptors.
Dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs), are voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and ryanodine receptors (RyRs), which are intracellular Ca2+ release channels, are expressed in diverse cell types, including skeletal and cardiac muscle.
Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are located in the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum membrane and are responsible for the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores during excitation-contraction coupling in both cardiac and skeletal muscle.
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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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Which of the following causes an increase in venous return?
Your Answer: An increase in the negative intra-thoracic pressure
Explanation:During inspiration, intrathoracic pressure becomes more negative and intra-abdominal pressure more positive. This increases the venous pressure gradient from abdomen to thorax and promotes filling of the central veins.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Medicine
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