Anatomy and Pathophysiology for Coding Flashcards

Which structure of the heart is responsible for initiating the electrical impulse that triggers each heartbeat?

Answer: Sinoatrial (SA) node

The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium, is the heart's natural pacemaker, generating the electrical impulse that initiates each cardiac cycle.

Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of which substance within arterial walls?

Answer: Plaque (lipids, calcium, and fibrous tissue)

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques — composed of lipids, calcium, and fibrous tissue — within arterial walls, narrowing the vessel lumen.

The nephron is the functional unit of which organ?

Answer: Kidney

The nephron is the microscopic functional unit of the kidney, responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is primarily characterized by:

Answer: Insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency

Type 2 DM involves peripheral insulin resistance and relative (not absolute) insulin deficiency, distinguishing it from the autoimmune beta-cell destruction of Type 1.

Which lung lobe is the most common site for aspiration pneumonia in a supine patient?

Answer: Right lower lobe (posterior segment)

The posterior segment of the right lower lobe is the most dependent region in a supine patient and therefore the most common aspiration site due to gravity.

The rotator cuff of the shoulder consists of which four muscles?

Answer: Supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis

The rotator cuff is formed by four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis — collectively stabilizing the glenohumeral joint.