CSC CSC Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology 2

Question 1

Which layer of the heart wall contains the cardiac muscle cells responsible for contraction?

Accepted Answer

Myocardium

Answer

The myocardium is the middle muscular layer of the heart wall and is responsible for the contractile force of each heartbeat.

Question 2

The sinoatrial (SA) node is located in the:

Accepted Answer

Right atrium near the superior vena cava

Answer

The SA node, the heart's primary pacemaker, is located in the right atrium near the junction with the superior vena cava.

Question 3

Preload is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

End-diastolic volume or ventricular filling pressure

Answer

Preload refers to the ventricular end-diastolic volume (or pressure), representing the stretch on myocardial fibers before contraction.

Question 4

Afterload refers to:

Accepted Answer

The resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood

Answer

Afterload is the resistance (primarily systemic vascular resistance) that the ventricle must overcome to eject blood into the aorta.

Question 5

The interventricular septum separates:

Accepted Answer

The right and left ventricles

Answer

The interventricular septum is the muscular/membranous wall dividing the right and left ventricles.

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test