CCI Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology 3

Question 1

Which structure separates the right and left atria and may harbor a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in adults?

Accepted Answer

Fossa ovalis

Answer

The fossa ovalis is a thin fibromuscular remnant of the foramen ovale in the interatrial septum; incomplete fusion leaves a PFO, present in ~25% of adults.

Question 2

Cardiac output is calculated as:

Accepted Answer

Heart rate × stroke volume

Answer

Cardiac output (CO) equals heart rate (HR) multiplied by stroke volume (SV), representing the total volume of blood pumped per minute.

Question 3

Which type of cardiomyocytes has the fastest intrinsic depolarization rate and therefore sets the heart's rhythm?

Accepted Answer

Sinoatrial nodal cells

Answer

SA nodal cells depolarize spontaneously at 60–100 times per minute, the fastest of all pacemaker cells, making them the dominant cardiac pacemaker.

Question 4

Which valve is bicuspid (has two leaflets)?

Accepted Answer

Mitral valve

Answer

The mitral (bicuspid) valve has two leaflets — the anterior and posterior — and guards the left atrioventricular orifice.

Question 5

The aortic valve opens when left ventricular pressure exceeds:

Accepted Answer

Aortic diastolic pressure

Answer

The aortic valve opens once rising LV systolic pressure surpasses aortic diastolic pressure (approximately 80 mmHg at rest), allowing blood ejection into the aorta.

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology 3