CCI Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology 5

Question 1

Which cardiac structure is the primary determinant of afterload for the left ventricle?

Accepted Answer

Systemic vascular resistance

Answer

Left ventricular afterload is primarily determined by systemic vascular resistance (SVR), which the LV must overcome to eject blood into the aorta.

Question 2

In a normal adult heart, the QRS complex duration should not exceed:

Accepted Answer

120 ms (0.12 sec)

Answer

Normal QRS duration is 60–100 ms; a QRS ≥120 ms indicates abnormal ventricular conduction (bundle branch block or ventricular origin).

Question 3

Which portion of the cardiac conduction system has the slowest conduction velocity, creating the PR interval delay?

Accepted Answer

Atrioventricular node

Answer

The AV node conducts at only 0.02–0.05 m/s, the slowest of any conduction tissue, creating a physiological delay that allows atrial emptying before ventricular contraction.

Question 4

The term 'preload' in cardiac physiology is best equated with:

Accepted Answer

Left ventricular end-diastolic volume or pressure

Answer

Preload represents the degree of ventricular stretch at end-diastole, clinically approximated by end-diastolic volume (EDV) or filling pressure (EDP).

Question 5

Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the parietal and visceral pericardium?

Accepted Answer

The pericardial cavity lies between the visceral and parietal layers

Answer

The pericardial cavity, containing 15–50 mL of serous fluid, is located between the inner visceral layer (epicardium) and the outer parietal pericardium.

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology 5