NBE Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cardiac valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?
- Tricuspid valve
- Pulmonic valve
- Mitral valve (Correct answer)
- Aortic valve
Correct answer: Mitral valve
The mitral (bicuspid) valve is the atrioventricular valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
Question 2: The normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) range is approximately:
- 35–45%
- 45–55%
- 55–70% (Correct answer)
- 70–85%
Correct answer: 55–70%
A normal LVEF is generally accepted as 55–70%, reflecting adequate systolic function of the left ventricle.
Question 3: Which structure separates the right and left atria?
- Interventricular septum
- Moderator band
- Interatrial septum (Correct answer)
- Crista terminalis
Correct answer: Interatrial septum
The interatrial septum is the wall dividing the right atrium from the left atrium.
Question 4: The papillary muscles of the left ventricle attach to the mitral valve leaflets via which structures?
- Purkinje fibers
- Chordae tendineae (Correct answer)
- Trabeculae carneae
- Annular ligaments
Correct answer: Chordae tendineae
Chordae tendineae are fibrous cords connecting papillary muscles to the mitral (and tricuspid) valve leaflets, preventing prolapse.
Question 5: Which coronary artery most commonly supplies the sinoatrial (SA) node?
- Left anterior descending artery
- Left circumflex artery
- Right coronary artery (Correct answer)
- Posterior descending artery
Correct answer: Right coronary artery
In approximately 60% of individuals, the SA node is supplied by the right coronary artery (RCA).
Question 6: In echocardiography, the term 'end-diastole' refers to the phase when:
- The ventricle reaches its smallest volume
- The aortic valve opens
- The ventricle is maximally filled just before contraction (Correct answer)
- The mitral valve opens
Correct answer: The ventricle is maximally filled just before contraction
End-diastole is the point just before ventricular contraction when ventricular volume is at its maximum.
Question 7: Which layer of the heart wall is responsible for the contractile function of the myocardium?
- Epicardium
- Endocardium
- Myocardium (Correct answer)
- Pericardium
Correct answer: Myocardium
The myocardium is the muscular middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle cells responsible for contraction.
NBE Cardiac Anatomy & Physiology 1
Which cardiac valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle?