Cardiovascular System

Question 1

Where is the heart postioned?

Answer 1

Your heart is located between your lungs in the middle of your chest, behind and slightly to the left of your breastbone (sternum).

Question 2

14.2 Outline the structure of the heart wall and describe the characteristics of cardiac
muscle including autorhythmicity.

Question 3

14.3 Identify the four chambers; the septum; apex and base; the four valves; the chordae tendineae and the vessels entering and leaving the heart.

Question 4

14.4 Describe blood flow through the heart from the pulmonary to systemic circulation.

Question 5

14.5 Relate the events of the cardiac cycle to the electrocardiogram (ECG).

Question 6

14.6 Define heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, tachycardia, bradycardia and sinus
rhythm

Question 7

15.1 Describe the constituents of blood.

Question 8

15.2 Outline the function of erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets (thrombocytes) and plasma.

Question 9

15.3 Identify the factors important in erythropoiesis.

Question 10

15.4 Define the term thrombus.

Question 11

16.1 List the 4 main blood groups.

Question 12

16.2 Outline the concept of compatibility/incompatibility between donor and recipient.

Question 13

16.3 Outline the importance of the Rhesus factor in grouping blood, particularly during a
transfusion and during pregnancy.

Question 14

16.4 Outline the three stages of haemostasis.

Question 15

16.5 Identify the role of the following in haemostasis: Ca++, vitamin K, fibrin and
prothrombin activator.

Question 16

17.1 Describe the structure of arteries, veins and capillaries

Question 17

17.2 Define the terms blood pressure and peripheral resistance.

Question 18

17.3 Explain how cardiac output and peripheral resistance generate blood pressure.

Question 19

17.4 Outline the role of baroreceptors and the cardiovascular centre in the control of blood
pressure.

Question 20

17.5 Define the terms hypertension and hypotension.

Question 21

14.1 Describe the position of the heart, its shape and relationship to the lungs, major
vessels, diaphragm and oesophagus.