Review
FOURTH EDITION
John E. Hall, PhD
Arthur C. Guyton Professor and Chair, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Director of the
Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson,
Mississippi
Table of Contents
Cover image
Title page
Copyright
Contributors
Preface
Unit I. Introduction to Physiology: The Cell and General Physiology
Unit II. Membrane Physiology, Nerve, and Muscle
Unit III. The Heart
Unit IV. The Circulation
Unit V. The Body Fluids and Kidneys
Unit VI. Blood Cells, Immunity, and Blood Coagulation
Unit VII. Respiration
Unit VIII. Aviation, Space, and Deep-Sea Diving Physiology
Unit IX. The Nervous System: A. General Principles and Sensory Physiology
Unit X. The Nervous System: B. The Special Senses
Unit XI. The Nervous System: C. Motor and Integrative Neurophysiology
Unit XII. Gastrointestinal Physiology
Unit XIII. Metabolism and Temperature Regulation
Unit XIV. Endocrinology and Reproduction
Unit XV. Sports Physiology
Normal Values for Selected Common Laboratory Measurements
Copyright
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GUYTON AND HALL PHYSIOLOGY REVIEW, FOURTH EDITION ISBN: 978-0-323-
63999-6
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Contributors
Thomas H. Adair, PhD , Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Units II, IX, X, XI, XII, and XIII
Alejandro R. Chade, MD , Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Units III and IV
Joey P. Granger, PhD , Dean, School of Graduate Studies in theHealth Sciences,
Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson,
Mississippi, Unit IV
John E. Hall, PhD , Professor and Chair of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Units I, V, and XIII
Robert L. Hester, PhD , Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Units VII, VIII, and XV
Michael J. Ryan, PhD , Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Unit XIV
James G. Wilson, MD , Professor Emeritus of Physiology and Biophysics, University of
Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, Unit VI
Preface
The main purpose of this book is to provide students a tool for assessing their mastery of
physiology as presented in the Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition.
Self-assessment is an important component of effective learning, especially when
studying a subject as complex as medical physiology. Guyton & Hall Physiology Review is
designed to provide a comprehensive review of medical physiology through multiplechoice questions and explanations of the answers. Medical students preparing for the
United States Medical Licensure Examinations (USMLE) will also find this book useful
because many of the test questions have been constructed according to the USMLE format.
The questions and answers in this review are based on Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical
Physiology, 14th edition (TMP 14). More than 1000 questions and answers are provided, and
each answer is referenced to the Textbook of Medical Physiology to facilitate a more complete
understanding of the topic. Illustrations are used to reinforce basic concepts. Some of the
questions incorporate information from multiple chapters to test your ability to apply and
integrate the principles necessary for mastery of medical physiology.
An effective way to use this book is to allow an average of 1 minute for each question in a
unit, approximating the time limit for a question in the USMLE examination. As you
proceed, indicate your answer next to each question. After finishing the questions and
answers, verify your answers and carefully read the explanations provided. Read the
additional material referred to in the Textbook of Medical Physiology, especially when
incorrect answers were chosen.
Guyton and Hall Physiology Review should not be used as a substitute for the
comprehensive information contained in the Textbook of Medical Physiology. Its main purpose
is to assess your knowledge of physiology gained from study of the Textbook of Medical
Physiology and other sources and to strengthen your ability to apply and integrate this
knowledge.
We have aempted to make this review as accurate as possible, and we hope that it will
be a valuable tool for your study of physiology. We invite you to send us your critiques,
suggestions for improvement, and notifications of any errors.
I am grateful to each of the contributors for their careful work on this book. I also wish to
express my thanks to Kathleen Nahm, Manikandan Chandrasekaran, Jennifer Schreiner,
Rebecca Gruliow, Elyse O’Grady, and the rest of the Elsevier staff for their editorial and
production excellence.
John E. Hall
Unit I: Introduction to Physiology
The Cell and General Physiology
1. If the feedback gain of a control system is -3.0, this means that the
system is
A) A negative feedback system capable of correcting 1/3 of the
initial disturbance to the system
B) A negative feedback system capable of correcting 2/3 of the
initial disturbance to the system
C) A negative feedback system capable of correcting 3/4 of the
initial disturbance to the system
D) A positive feedback system capable of correcting 1/3 of the
initial disturbance to the system
2. Most cells, except for fat cells, are composed mainly of
A) Proteins
B) Ions
C) Water
D) Microfilaments/cell cytoskeleton
E) Secretory vesicles
3. Organelles that neutralize drugs and toxins are
A) Nuclei
B) Mitochondria
C) Lysosomes
D) Peroxisomes
E) Endoplasmic reticulum
4. The most abundant cell membrane lipids are
A) Sphingolipids
B) Phospholipids
C) Cholesterol
D) Triglycerides
E) Sterols
5. The first stage of mitosis is called
A) Anaphase
B) Prophase
C) Prometaphase
D) Metaphase
E) Telophase
6. The region of repetitive nucleotide sequences located at each end of
a chromatid is called
A) Okazaki fragment
B) Replication fork
C) Telomere
D) Centriole
E) Lagging strand
7. Which of the following statements about DNA replication is
incorrect?
A) Both strands of the DNA in each chromosome are replicated
B) Both strands of the DNA helix are replicated in small portions
and then assembled, similar to the transcription of RNA
C) Before DNA can be replicated, the double stranded molecule
must be “unzipped” into two single strands
D) Uncoiling of DNA helixes is achieved by DNA helicase
enzymes
E) Once the DNA strands have been separated, a short piece of
RNA called an RNA primer binds to the 3’ end of the leading
strand
8. Which of the following statements about cell differentiation is
correct?
A) Differentiation results from selective loss of different genes
from cells
B) Differentiation results from selective repression of different
gene promoters
C) Differentiation results from selective activation of telomerase
in different cells
D) Differentiation results mainly from mutations of genes
9. Which statement about microRNAs (miRNAs) is correct?
A) miRNAs are formed in the cytoplasm and repress translation
or promote degradation of messenger RNA (mRNA) before it
can be translated
B) miRNAs are formed in the nucleus and then processed in the
cytoplasm by the dicer enzyme
C) miRNAs are short (21 to 23 nucleotide) double-stranded RNA
fragments that regulate gene expression
g g g p
D) miRNAs repress gene transcription
10. Compared with the intracellular fluid, the extracellular fluid has
__________ sodium ion concentration, __________ potassium ion
concentration, __________ chloride ion concentration, and
__________ phosphate ion concentration.
A) Lower, lower, lower, lower
B) Lower, higher, lower, lower
C) Lower, higher, higher, lower
D) Higher, lower, higher, lower
E) Higher, higher, lower, higher
F) Higher, higher, higher, higher
11. Which of the following events does not occur during the process of
mitosis?
A) Condensation of the chromosomes
B) Replication of the genome
C) Fragmentation of the nuclear envelope
D) Alignment of the chromatids along the equatorial plate
E) Separation of the chromatids into two sets of 46 “daughter”
chromosomes
12. The term “glycocalyx” refers to what?
A) The negatively charged carbohydrate chains that protrude
into the cytosol from glycolipids and integral glycoproteins
B) The negatively charged carbohydrate layer on the outer cell
surface
C) The layer of anions aligned on the cytosolic surface of the
plasma membrane
D) The large glycogen stores found in “fast” muscles
E) A mechanism of cell–cell aachment
13. Which statement is incorrect?
A) The term “homeostasis” describes the maintenance of nearly
constant conditions in the body
B) In most diseases, homeostatic mechanisms are no longer
operating in the body
C) The body’s compensatory mechanisms often lead to
deviations from the normal range in some of the body’s
functions
D) Disease is generally considered to be a state of disrupted
homeostasis
Questions 14–16
A) Nucleolus
B) Nucleus
C) Agranular endoplasmic reticulum
D) Granular endoplasmic reticulum
E) Golgi apparatus
F) Endosomes
G) Peroxisomes
H) Lysosomes
I) Cytosol
J) Cytoskeleton
K) Glycocalyx
L) Microtubules
For each of the scenarios described below, identify the most likely
subcellular site listed above for the deficient or mutant protein.
14. The abnormal cleavage of mannose residues during the posttranslational processing of glycoproteins results in the
development of a lupus-like autoimmune disease in mice. The
abnormal cleavage is due to a mutation of the enzyme αmannosidase II.
15. The observation that abnormal cleavage of mannose residues from
glycoproteins causes an autoimmune disease in mice supports the
role of this structure in the normal immune response.
16. Studies completed on a 5-year-old boy show an accumulation of
cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in his liver, spleen, and
intestines and calcification of both adrenal glands. Additional
studies indicate the cause to be a deficiency in acid lipase A
activity.
Questions 17–20
A) Nucleolus
B) Nucleus
C) Agranular endoplasmic reticulum
D) Granular endoplasmic reticulum
E) Golgi apparatus
F) Endosomes
G) Peroxisomes
H) Lysosomes
I) Cytosol
J) Cytoskeleton
K) Glycocalyx
L) Microtubules
Match the cellular location for each of the steps involved in the synthesis
and packaging of a secreted protein listed below with the correct term
from the list above.
17. Protein condensation and packaging
18. Initiation of translation
19. Gene transcription
20. Worn-out organelles are transferred to lysosomes by which of the
following?
A) Autophagosomes
B) Granular endoplasmic reticulum
C) Agranular endoplasmic reticulum
D) Golgi apparatus
E) Mitochondria
21. Which of the following does not play a direct role in the process of
transcription?
A) Helicase
B) RNA polymerase
C) Chain-terminating sequence
D) “Activated” RNA molecules
E) Promoter sequence
22. Which statement is true for both pinocytosis and phagocytosis?
A) Involves the recruitment of actin filaments
B) Occurs spontaneously and nonselectively
C) Endocytotic vesicles fuse with ribosomes that release
hydrolases into the vesicles
D) Is only observed in macrophages and neutrophils
E) Does not require ATP
23. Which statement is incorrect?
A) Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that code for proteins that
control cell growth
B) Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that code for proteins that
control cell division
C) Inactivation of anti-oncogenes protects against the
development of cancer
D) Several different simultaneously activated oncogenes are
often required to cause cancer
24. Which statement about feedback control systems is incorrect?
A) Most control systems of the body act by negative feedback
B) Positive feedback usually promotes stability in a system
C) Generation of nerve actions potentials involves positive
feedback
D) Feed-forward control is important in regulating muscle
activity
25. Which of the following cell organelles is responsible for producing
adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell?
A) Endoplasmic reticulum
B) Mitochondria
C) Lysosomes
D) Golgi apparatus
E) Peroxisomes
F) Ribosomes
26. Which statement about mRNA is correct?
A) mRNA carries the genetic code to the cytoplasm
B) mRNA carries activated amino acids to the ribosomes
C) mRNA is composed of single-stranded RNA molecules of 21
to 23 nucleotides that can regulate gene transcription
D) mRNA forms ribosomes
27. “Redundancy” or “degeneration” of the genetic code occurs
during which step of protein synthesis?
A) DNA replication
B) Transcription
C) Post-transcriptional modification
D) Translation
E) Protein glycosylation
Answers
1. C) The feedback gain of a control system is calculated as the amount of
correction divided by the remaining error of the system. A feedback
gain of -3.0 means that 3/4 of the initial error was corrected by the
system. For example, if the initial error was 4 units and 1 unit of error
remains after correction, then the amount of correction is -3 (from 4 to
1), the remaining error is 1, and the feedback gain is -3.0.
TMP14 pp. 8–9
2. C) Most cells, except for fat cells, are composed mainly of water in a
concentration of 70% to 85 %. After water, the most abundant substances
in most cells are proteins, which normally constitute 10% to 20 % of the
cell mass.
TMP14 p. 13
3. D) Peroxisomes contain oxidases capable of combining oxygen with
hydrogen ions derived from different intracellular chemicals to form
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2
), a highly oxidizing substance used in
association with catalase, another oxidase enzyme present in large
quantities in peroxisomes. These enzymes oxidize and neutralize many
drugs and toxins that might otherwise be poisonous to the cell.
TMP14 p. 18
4. B) The basic cell membrane lipid bilayer is composed of proteins and
three main types of lipids: phospholipids, sphingolipids, and
cholesterol. The approximate composition is 55% proteins, 25%
phospholipids, 13% cholesterol, 4% other lipids, and 3% carbohydrates.
TMP14 pp. 15–16
5. B) The first stage of mitosis, the process by which the cell splits into two
new cells, is called prophase (see figure below).
TMP14 pp. 41–43
Stages of cell reproduction. A, B, and C, Prophase. D, Prometaphase. E,
Metaphase. F, Anaphase. G and H, Telophase
6. C) Telomeres are repetitive nucleotide sequences located at each end of a
chromatid and serve as protective caps that prevent the chromosome
from deterioration during cell division. Without telomeres, the genomes
would progressively lose information and be truncated after each cell
division.
TMP14 p. 44
7. B) Both entire strands of the DNA helix in each chromosome are
replicated from end to end, rather than small portions of them, as occurs
in the transcription of RNA (see figure below).
The helical double-stranded structure of the gene. The outside strands are
composed of phosphoric acid and the sugar deoxyribose. The inner
molecules connecting the two strands of the helix are purine and pyrimidine
bases, which determine the “code” of the gene.
TMP14 pp. 41–42
8. B) Cell differentiation refers to changes in physical and functional
properties of cells as they proliferate in the embryo to form different
bodily structures and organs and results not from loss of genes but from
selective repression of different gene promoters.
TMP14 p. 45
9. A) The miRNAs are formed in the cytoplasm from pre-miRNAs and
processed by the enzyme dicer that ultimately assembles RNA-induced
silencing complex, which then generates miRNAs. The miRNAs
regulate gene expression by binding to the complementary region of the
RNA and repressing translation or promoting degradation of messenger
RNA before it can be translated by the ribosome.
TMP14 pp. 36–37
10. D) The extracellular fluid has relatively high concentrations of sodium
and chloride ions but lower concentrations of potassium and phosphate
than the intracellular fluid.
TMP14 p. 4
11. B) DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle and
precedes mitosis. Condensation of the chromosomes occurs during the
prophase of mitosis. Fragmentation of the nuclear envelope occurs
during the prometaphase of mitosis. The chromatids align at the
equatorial plate during metaphase and separate into two complete sets
of daughter chromosomes during anaphase.
TMP14 p. 43
12. B) The cell “glycocalyx” is the loose negatively charged carbohydrate
coat on the outside of the surface of the cell membrane. The membrane
carbohydrates usually occur in combination with proteins or lipids in
the form of glycoproteins or glycolipids, and the “glyco” portion of
these molecules almost invariably protrudes to the outside of the cell.
TMP14 p. 16
13. B) The term homeostasis describes the maintenance of nearly constant
conditions in the internal environment of the body, and diseases are
generally considered to be states of disrupted homeostasis. However,
even in diseases, homeostatic compensatory mechanisms continue to
operate in an aempt sustain body functions at levels that permit life to
continue. These compensations may result in deviations from the
normal level of some body functions as a “trade-off” that is necessary to
maintain vital functions of the body.
TMP14 p. 4
14. E) Membrane proteins are glycosylated during their synthesis in the
lumen of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Most post-translational
modification of the oligosaccharide chains, however, occurs dur ing the
transport of the protein through the layers of the Golgi apparatus
matrix, where enzymes such as α-mannosidase II are localized.
TMP14 pp. 16–17
15. K) The oligosaccharide chains that are added to glycoproteins on the
luminal side of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and subsequently
modified during their transport through the Golgi apparatus, are
aached to the extracellular surface of the cell. This negatively charged
layer of carbohydrate moieties is collectively called the glycocalyx. It
participates in cell–cell interactions, cell–ligand interactions, and the
immune response.
TMP14 p. 16
16. H) Acid lipases, along with other acid hydrolases, are localized to
lysosomes. Fusion of endocytotic and autolytic vesicles with lysosomes
initiates the intracellular process that allows cells to digest cellular
debris and particles ingested from the extracellular milieu, including
bacteria. In the normal acidic environment of the lysosome, acid lipases
use hydrogen to convert lipids into fay acids and glycerol. Other acid
lipases include a variety of nucleases, proteases, and polysaccharidehydrolyzing enzymes.
TMP14 pp. 17–18
17. E) Secreted proteins are condensed, sorted, and packaged into secretory
vesicles in the terminal portions of the Golgi apparatus, also known as
the trans-Golgi network. It is here that proteins destined for secretion
are separated from those destined for intracellular compartments or
cellular membranes.
TMP14 p. 17
18. I) Initiation of translation, whether of a cytosolic protein, a membranebound protein, or a secreted protein, occurs in the cytosol and involves a
common pool of ribosomes. Only after the appearance of the Nterminus of the polypeptide is it identified as a protein destined for
secretion. At this point, the ribosome aaches to the cytosolic surface of
the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Translation continues, and the new
polypeptide is extruded into the matrix of the endoplasmic reticulum.
TMP14 pp. 37–38
19. B) All transcription events occur in the nucleus, regardless of the final
destination of the protein product. The resulting messenger RNA
molecule is transported through the nuclear pores in the nuclear
membrane and translated into either the cytosol or the lumen of the
rough endoplasmic reticulum.
TMP14 pp. 33–34
20. A) Autophagy is a housekeeping process by which obsolete organelles
and large protein aggregates are degraded and recycled (see figure at
right). Worn-out cell organelles are transferred to lysosomes by double
membrane structures called autophagosomes that are formed in the
cytosol.
TMP14 pp. 22–23
Schematic diagram of autophagy steps
21. A) Helicase is one of the many proteins involved in the process of DNA
replication. It does not play a role in transcription. RNA polymerase
binds to the promoter sequence and facilitates the addition of
“activated” RNA molecules to the growing RNA molecule until the
polymerase reaches the chain-terminating sequence on the template
DNA molecule.
TMP14 pp. 33–34, 42
22. A) Both pinocytosis and phagocytosis involve movement of the plasma
membrane. Pinocytosis involves invagination of the cell membrane,
whereas phago cytosis involves evagination. Both events require the
recruitment of actin and other cytoskeleton elements. Phagocytosis is
not spontaneous and is selective, being triggered by specific receptorligand interactions.
TMP14 pp. 21–22
23. C) Inactivation of anti-oncogenes, also called tumor suppressor genes,
can allow activation of oncogenes that lead to cancer. All the other
statements are correct.
TMP14 pp. 46–47
24. B) Positive feedback in a system generally promotes instability, rather
than stability, and in some cases even death. For this reason, positive
feedback is often called a “vicious cycle.” However, in some instances,
positive feedback can be useful. One example is the nerve action
potential where stimulation of the nerve membrane causes a slight
leakage of sodium that causes more opening of sodium channels, more
change of potential, and more opening of channels until an explosion of
sodium entering the interior of the nerve fiber creates the action
potential. Feed-forward control is used to apprise the brain whether a
muscle movement is performed correctly. If not, the brain corrects the
feed-forward signals that it sends to the muscles the next time the
movement is required. This mechanism is often called adaptive control.
TMP14 pp. 8–10
25. B) Mitochondria are often called the “powerhouses” of the cell and
contain oxidative enzymes that permit oxidation of the nutrients,
thereby forming carbon dioxide and water and at the same time
releasing energy. The liberated energy is used to synthesize “highenergy” ATP.
TMP14 pp. 18–19
26. A) mRNA molecules are long, single RNA strands that are suspended
in the cytoplasm and are composed of several hundred to several
thousand RNA nucleotides in unpaired strands. The mRNA carries the
genetic code to the cytoplasm for controlling the type of protein formed.
The transfer RNA transports activated amino acids to the ribosomes.
Ribosomal RNA, along with about 75 different proteins, forms ribosomes.
MicroRNAs are single-stranded RNA molecules of 21 to 23 nucleotides
that regulate gene transcription and translation.
TMP14 p. 35
27. D) During both replication and transcription, the new nucleic acid
molecule is an exact complement of the parent DNA molecule as a result
of predictable, specific, one-to-one base pairing. During the process of
translation, however, each amino acid in the new polypeptide is
encoded by a codon—a series of three consecutive nucleotides. Whereas
each codon encodes a specific amino acid, most amino acids can be
encoded for by multiple codons. Redundancy results because 60 codons
encode a mere 20 amino acids.
TMP14 pp. 34–36
Unit II: Membrane Physiology, Nerve,
and Muscle
1. A patch clamp experiment shows a single sodium ion channel that
opens and closes repeatedly causing the electrical current through the
channel to change from one value to another. The open time of the
sodium channel averages 0.4 milliseconds in this experiment. Which of
the following best describes the electrical current of this sodium
channel during the open and closed states (in picoamperes)?
A) Open: 3.2; closed: 3.3
B) Open: 0.4; closed: 0.4
C) Open: 0.4; closed: 3.2
D) Open: 3.1; closed: 0.4
E) Open: 0.4; closed: 2.0
F) Open: 0.4; closed: 0.6
2. Which of the following best describes the osmolarity of a solution
containing 150 millimolar NaCl, assuming a temperature of 37°C and a
dissociation constant of 0.93 (in milliosmoles)?
A) 150
B) 279
C) 300
D) 322
E) 393
3. A 64-year-old man has serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/l (reference range,
3.5–5.0 mEq/l). Which of the following sets of changes best describe the
resting membrane potential (Vm) and K+
Equilibrium potential (EK) in
a typical neuron in this man compared with normal? (Assume normal
intracellular concentration of K +
.)
A) EK, less negative; Vm, less negative
B) EK, less negative; Vm, no change
C) EK, less negative; Vm, more negative
D) EK, more negative; Vm, less negative
E) EK, more negative; Vm, more negative
F) EK, more negative; Vm, no change
G) EK, no change; Vm, less negative
H) EK, no change; Vm, more negative
I) EK, no change; Vm, no change
Questions 4 and 5
In the figure shown, two compartments (Y and Z) are separated by an
artificial lipid bilayer without protein transporters. The relative concentrations
of test substances in compartments Y and Z at time zero are shown. Different
water volumes in compartments Y and Z are shown as diagrams A to E. Use
this information to answer the next two questions.
4. Which of the diagrams best represent the volumes of compartments Y
and Z at equilibrium when the test substance is NaCl?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E
5. Which of the diagrams best represent the volumes of compartments Y
and Z at equilibrium when the test substance is urea?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E
6. A model cell with three different transporters (X, Y, and Z) and a resting
membrane potential of −90 millivolts is shown. Consider the
intracellular and extracellular concentrations of all three ions to be
typical of a normal cell. Inhibition of transporter Y with ouabain is most
likely to cause which of the following changes in the intracellular
concentrations of sodium and calcium ions?
A) Decreased sodium; decreased calcium
B) Decreased sodium; increased calcium
C) Increased sodium; decreased calcium
D) Increased sodium; increased calcium
7. In the diagram shown, Em represents the measured initial membrane
potential for a hypothetical cell in vivo. In relation to this membrane
potential, the equilibrium potentials of three ions (X−
, Y−
, Z+) are
represented. Pick the path most likely taken by the membrane potential
when membrane conductance to ion Y is increased.
8. The relationship between contraction velocity and force for five different
skeletal muscles is shown. Which of the following muscles (A–E) is
most likely to correspond to muscle number 1 on the figure shown?
(Assume that all muscles shown are at their normal resting lengths.)
9. The diagram shows the relationship between muscle tension and
sarcomere length for skeletal muscle. Which point on the curve
represents tension development at a normal resting length?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E
10. The following events occur in a skeletal muscle during a normal
contraction: (1) increased calcium concentration in sarcoplasm, (2)
activation of ryanodine receptor, (3) calcium release from terminal
cisternae, and (4) activation of dihydropyridine voltage sensor. Which
of the following best describes the correct temporal order of events for a
normal contraction in a skeletal muscle fiber?
A) 1, 2, 3, 4
B) 1, 4, 2, 3
C) 1, 3, 2, 4
D) 3, 2, 1, 4
E) 3, 1, 2, 4
F) 4, 2, 1, 3
G) 2, 1, 4, 3
H) 2, 3, 4, 1
I) 4, 2, 3, 1
11. A 64-year-old man undergoes general anesthesia to remove a tumor
from his colon. Within a few minutes following administration of a
halogenated anesthetic, the patient develops muscle rigidity and a
rectal temperature of 108°F. His heart rate is 105 beats/min and
respiration rate is 29 breaths/min. Which of the following is most likely
to be decreased in this patient compared with normal resting
conditions?
A) Anaerobic metabolism
B) Calcium binding to calsequestrin
C) CO2 production by muscles
D) Muscle temperature
E) O2 usage by muscles
12. Which of the following best describes the selectivity filter of a
potassium ion channel in bacteria?
A) Glutamate
B) Carbonyl oxygens
C) Oxygen radicals
D) Gluten
E) Glycine
F) Carbon dioxide
13. During the course of a nerve action potential (shown), a 10-mV
electrical stimulus is delivered at the time indicated by the arrow. In
response to the electrical stimulus, a second action potential will:
A) be identical to the first
B) have a higher amplitude
C) have a lower amplitude
D) not occur
E) have a slower velocity
F) have a faster velocity
14. Which of the following best describes myasthenia gravis (MG) and
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)?
A) MG, postsynaptic disease; LEMS, presynaptic disease
B) MG, presynaptic disease; LEMS, presynaptic disease
C) MG, postsynaptic disease; LEMS, postsynaptic disease
D) MG, presynaptic disease; LEMS, postsynaptic disease
15. Electrical coupling between adjacent cells in visceral smooth muscle
can be aributed to which of the following?
A) Dense bodies
B) Gap junctions
C) Intermediate fibers
D) Mechanical junctions
E) Potassium channels
16. A 45-year-old man goes to the local gym to lift weights. He begins by
bench-pressing 130 lb as a warm-up procedure and then gradually
increases the weight. Which of the following sets of changes occur as he
adds more weight?
Activation of motor units Frequency of motor nerve action potentials
A) Decreased Decreased
B) Decreased Increased
C) Decreased No change
D)
Increased Decreased
E)
Increased Increased
F)
Increased No change
17. Which of the following substances have a higher extracellular
concentration compared with the intracellular concentration?
A) Calcium and chloride
B) Potassium and sodium
C) Calcium and potassium
D) Potassium and proteins
E) Chloride and proteins
18. Which of the following allows smooth muscle to maintain a sustained
contraction with minimal energy usage compared to a similar level of
sustained contraction of skeletal muscle?
A) Dense body
B) Gap junctions
C) Intermediate filaments
D) Latch state
E )Syncytial nature
Questions 19–21
The table shows the concentrations of four ions across the plasma membrane
of a hypothetical cell. Use this table to answer the next three questions.
Intracellular (mM) Extracellular (mM)
140 K+ 5 K
+
12 Na
+ 145 Na
+
5 Cl−
125 Cl−
0.0001 Ca
2+ 5 Ca
2+
19. Which of the following best describes the equilibrium potential for Cl −
(in millivolts)?
A) 0
B) 170
C) −170
D) 85
E) −85
20. Which of the following best describes the equilibrium potential for K+
(in millivolts)?
A) 0
B) 176
C) −176
D) 88
E) −88
21. The net driving force is greatest for which ion when the membrane
potential of this cell is −85 millivolts?
A) Ca2+
B) Cl −
C) K+
D) Na+
22. A single contraction of skeletal muscle is most likely to be terminated
by which of the following actions?
A) Closure of the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
B) Removal of acetylcholine from the neuromuscular junction
C) Removal of Ca2+
from the terminal of the motor neuron
D) Removal of sarcoplasmic Ca2+
E) Return of the dihydropyridine receptor to its resting conformation
23. The resting potential of a myelinated nerve fiber is primarily
dependent on the concentration gradient of which of the following
ions?
A) Ca2+
B) Cl −
C) HCO3
−
D) K+
E) Na+
24. A neurotransmier activates its receptor on an ion channel of a neuron,
which causes the water-filled channel to open. When the channel is
open, ions move through the channel down their respective
electrochemical gradients. A change in membrane potential follows.
Which of the following best describes the type of channel and
mechanism of ion transport?
Type of Channel Mechanism of Transport
A) Ligand gated Primary active transport
B) Ligand gated Diffusion
C) Ligand gated Secondary active transport
D) Voltage gated Primary active transport
E) Voltage gated Diffusion
F) Voltage gated Secondary active transport
25. Which of the following decreases in length during the contraction of a
skeletal muscle fiber?
A) A band of sarcomere
B) I band of sarcomere
C) Thick filaments
D) Thin filaments
E) Z disks of sarcomere
26. Equilibrium potentials for three unknown ions are shown in the above
figure. Note that ions S and R are positively charged and that ion Q is
negatively charged. Assume that the cell membrane is permeable to all
three ions and that the cell has a resting membrane potential of −90
millivolts. Which of the following best describes the net movement of
the various ions across the cell membrane by passive diffusion?
Q − R
+ S
+
A)
Inward Inward Inward
B)
Inward Inward Outward
C)
Inward Outward Inward
D)
Inward Outward Outward
E) Outward Inward Inward
F) Outward Inward Outward
G) Outward Inward Outward
27. Weightlifting can result in a dramatic increase in skeletal muscle mass.
This increase in muscle mass is primarily aributable to which of the
following?
A) Fusion of sarcomeres between adjacent myofibrils
B) Hypertrophy of individual muscle fibers
C) Increase in skeletal muscle blood supply
D) Increase in the number of motor neurons
E) Increase in the number of neuromuscular junctions
28. Five hypothetical nerve axons are shown in the above figure. Axons A
and B are myelinated, whereas axons C, D, and E are nonmyelinated.
Which axon is most likely to have the fastest conduction velocity for an
action potential?
A) A
B) B
C) C
D) D
E) E
Questions 29 and 30
The figure below shows the change in membrane potential during an action
potential in a giant squid axon. Refer to it when answering the next two
questions.
29. Which of the following is primarily responsible for the change in
membrane potential between points B and D?
A) Inhibition of the Na+
, K+ -ATPase
B) Movement of K+
into the cell
C) Movement of K+
out of the cell
D) Movement of Na+
into the cell
E) Movement of Na+
out of the cell
30. Which of the following is primarily responsible for the change in
membrane potential between points D and E?
A) Inhibition of the Na+
, K+-ATPase
B) Movement of K+
into the cell
C) Movement of K+
out of the cell
D) Movement of Na+
into the cell
E) Movement of Na+
out of the cell
31. The axon of a neuron is stimulated experimentally with a 25-millivolt
pulse, which initiates an action potential with a velocity of 50 m per
second. The axon is then stimulated with a 100-millivolt pulse. What is
the action potential velocity after the 100-millivolt stimulation pulse (in
meters per second)?
A) 25
B) 50
C) 100
D) 150
E) 200
Questions 32 and 33
The figure below illustrates the single isometric twitch characteristics of two
skeletal muscles, A and B, in response to a depolarizing stimulus. Refer to it
when answering the next two questions.
32. Which of the following best describes muscle B compared with muscle
A?
A) Adapted for rapid contraction
B) Composed of larger muscle fibers
C) Fewer mitochondria
D) Innervated by smaller nerve fibers
E) Less extensive blood supply
33. The delay between the termination of the transient depolarization of
the muscle membrane and the onset of muscle contraction observed in
both muscles A and B reflects the time necessary for which of the
following events to occur?
A) ADP to be released from the myosin head
B) ATP to be synthesized
C) Ca2+
to accumulate in the sarcoplasm
D) G-actin to polymerize into F-actin
E) Myosin head to complete one cross-bridge cycle
Questions 34 and 35
A 32-year-old woman visits her physician because of double vision, eyelid
droop, difficulty chewing and swallowing, and general weakness in her limbs.
All these symptoms worsen with exercise and occur more frequently late in the
day. The physician suspects myasthenia gravis and orders a Tensilon test. The
test is positive. Use this information when answering the next two questions.
34. The increased muscle strength observed during the Tensilon test is due
to an increase in which of the following?
A) Amount of acetylcholine (ACh) released from the motor nerves
B) Levels of ACh at the muscle end-plates
C) Number of ACh receptors on the muscle end-plates
D) Synthesis of norepinephrine
35. Which of the following drugs would likely alleviate this patient’s
symptoms?
A) Atropine
B) Botulinum toxin antiserum
C) Curare
D) Halothane
E) Neostigmine
Questions 36–38
The figure below illustrates the isometric length–tension relationship in a
representative intact skeletal muscle. Match the descriptions in the next three
questions to one of the points on the figure.
36. So-called “active” or contraction-dependent tension
37. The muscle length at which active tension is maximal
38. The contribution of noncontractile muscle elements to total tension
39. Smooth muscle contraction is terminated by which of the following?
A) Dephosphorylation of myosin kinase
B) Dephosphorylation of myosin light chain
C) Efflux of Ca2+
ions across the plasma membrane
D) Inhibition of myosin phosphatase
E) Uptake of Ca2+
ions into the sarcoplasmic reticulum
Questions 40 and 41
A 73-year-old man sees a neurologist because of weakness in his legs that
improves over the course of the day or with exercise. Extracellular electrical
recordings from a single skeletal muscle fiber reveal normal miniature endplate potentials. Low-frequency electrical stimulation of the motor neuron,
however, elicits an abnormally small depolarization of the muscle fibers. The
amplitude of the depolarization is increased after exercise. Use this information
to answer the next three questions.
40. Based on these findings, which of the following is the most likely cause
of this patient’s leg weakness?
A) Acetylcholinesterase deficiency
B) Blockade of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors
C) Impaired presynaptic voltage-sensitive Ca2+
influx
D) Inhibition of Ca2+
re-uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum
E) Reduced acetylcholine synthesis
41. A preliminary diagnosis is confirmed by the presence of which of the
following?
A) Antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor
B) Antibodies against the voltage-sensitive Ca2+
channel
C) Mutation in the gene that codes for the ryanodine receptor
D) Relatively few vesicles in the presynaptic terminal
E) Residual acetylcholine in the neuromuscular junction
42. The molecular mechanism underlying these symptoms is most like
which of the following?
A) Acetylcholine
B) Botulinum toxin
C) Curare
D) Neostigmine
E) Tetrodotoxin
Questions 43–45
Match each of the descriptions in the next three questions to one of the
points of the nerve action potential shown in the figure.
43. Point at which the membrane potential (Vm) is closest to the Na+
equilibrium potential
44. Point at which the driving force for Na+
is the greatest
45. Point at which the ratio of K+
permeability to Na+
permeability (PK
/PNa)
is the greatest
46. A physiology experiment is conducted in which a motoneuron that
normally innervates a predominantly fast Type II muscle is
anastomosed to a predominantly slow Type I muscle. Which of the
following is most likely to decrease in the Type I muscle after the
transinnervation surgery?
A) Fiber diameter
B) Glycolytic activity
C) Maximum contraction velocity
D) Mitochondrial content
E) Myosin ATPase activity
47. In the experiment illustrated in part A of the figure, equal volumes of
solutions X, Y, and Z are placed into the compartments of the two Ushaped vessels shown. The two compartments of each vessel are
separated by semipermeable membranes (i.e., membranes that are
impermeable to ions and large polar molecules). Part B illustrates the
fluid distribution across the membranes at equilibration. Assuming
complete dissociation, identify each of the solutions shown.
Solution X Solution Y Solution Z
A) 1 M CaCl2 1 M NaCl 1 M glucose
B) 1 M glucose 1 M NaCl 1 M CaCl2
C) 1 M NaCl 2 M glucose 3 M CaCl2
D) 2 M NaCl 1 M NaCl Pure water
E) Pure water 1 M CaCl2 2 M glucose
Questions 48 and 49
Use the figure shown below for the next two questions.
48. Trace A in the figure represents a typical action potential recorded
under control conditions from a normal neuron in response to a
depolarizing stimulus. Which of the following perturbations would
explain the conversion of the response shown in trace A to the action
potential shown in trace B?
A) Blockade of voltage-sensitive Na+
channels
B) Blockade of voltage-sensitive K+
channels
C) Blockade of Na-K “leak” channels
D) Replacement of the voltage-sensitive K+
channels with “slow” Ca2+
channels
E) Replacement of the voltage-sensitive Na+
channels with “slow”
Ca2+
channels
49. Which of the following perturbations would account for the failure of
the same stimulus to elicit an action potential in trace C?
A) Blockade of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels
B) Blockade of voltage-sensitive K+ channels
C) Blockade of Na-K “leak” channels
D) Replacement of the voltage-sensitive K+
channels with “slow” Ca2+
channels
E) Replacement of the voltage-sensitive Na+
channels with “slow”
Ca2+
channels
50. A 16-year-old soccer player sustained a fracture to the left tibia. After
her lower leg has been in a cast for 8 weeks, she is surprised to find that
the left gastrocnemius muscle is significantly smaller in circumference
than it was before the fracture. What is the most likely explanation?
A) Decrease in the number of individual muscle fibers in the left
gastrocnemius
B) Decrease in blood flow to the muscle caused by constriction from
the cast
C) Temporary reduction in actin and myosin protein synthesis
D) Increase in glycolytic activity in the affected muscle
E) Progressive denervation
Questions 51–55
Match each of the processes described in the next five questions with the
correct type of transport listed. Answers may be used more than once.
A) Diffusion
B) Exocytosis
C) Primary active transport
D) Co-transport
E) Counter-transport
51. Ouabain-sensitive transport of Na+
ions from the cytosol to the
extracellular fluid
52. Glucose uptake into skeletal muscle
53. Na+-dependent transport of Ca2+
from the cytosol to the extracellular
fluid
54. Transport of glucose from the intestinal lumen into an intestinal
epithelial cell
55. Movement of Na+
ions into a neuron during the upstroke of an action
potential
56. Traces A, B, and C in the figure above summarize the changes in
membrane potential (Vm) and the underlying membrane permeabilities
(P) that occur in a neuron over the course of an action potential. Choose
the combination below that identifies each of the traces.
Trace A Trace B Trace C
A) PK Vm PNa
B) PK:PNa Vm PK
C) PNa Vm PK
D) Vm PK PNa
E) Vm PNa PK
57. A 45-year-old woman is admied as an emergency to University
Hospital after an automobile accident in which severe lacerations to the
left wrist severed a major muscle tendon. The severed ends of the
tendon were overlapped by 6 mm to facilitate suturing and
reaachment. Which of the following would be expected after 3 weeks
compared with the preinjured muscle? Assume that series growth of
sarcomeres cannot be completed within 3 weeks.
Passive Tension Maximal Active Tension
A) Decrease Decrease
B) Decrease Increase
C)
Increase Increase
D)
Increase Decrease
E) No change No change
58. The length–tension diagram above was obtained from a skeletal
muscle with equal numbers of red and white fibers. Supramaximal
tetanic stimuli were used to initiate an isometric contraction at each
muscle length studied. The resting length was 20 cm. What is the
maximum amount of active tension that the muscle can generate at a
preload of 100 grams?
A) 145 to 155 g
B) 25 to 35 g
C) 55 to 65 g
D) 95 to 105 g
E) Cannot be determined
59. The sensitivity of the smooth muscle contractile apparatus to calcium
is known to increase in the steady state under normal conditions. This
increase in calcium sensitivity can be aributed to a decrease in the
levels of which of the following substances?
A) Actin
B) Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
C) Calcium–calmodulin complex
D) Calmodulin
E) Myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP)
60. Which of the following best describes a physiological difference
between the contraction of smooth muscle compared with the
contraction of cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle?
A) Ca2+
independent
B) Does not require an action potential
C) Requires more energy
D) Shorter in duration
61. The figure on the right column shows the force–velocity relationship
for contractions of skeletal muscle. The differences in the three curves
result from differences in which of the following?
A) Frequency of muscle contraction
B) Hypertrophy
C) Muscle mass
D) Myosin ATPase activity
E) Recruitment of motor units
Answers
1. D) The electrical current through a sodium channel caused by movement of
sodium ions is close to zero picoamperes when the channel is closed; the
current increases markedly when the channel is open. Only choice D shows a
low current (0.4 picoamperes) during the closed phase and a higher current
(3.1 picoamperes) during the open phase. It is not necessary to know the
open time of the channel to answer this question correctly; however, an open
time of 0.4 milliseconds is typical.
TMP14 pp. 54–55
2. B) A 150-millimolar solution of a solute has an osmolarity of 150
milliosmoles when the solute molecule does not dissociate. However, NaCl
dissociates into two molecules. In the human body with a typical
temperature of 37°C, about 93% of NaCl molecules are dissociated at any
given time (i.e., the dissociation constant is 0.93). Therefore, 150 millimoles
NaCl × 2 = 300 milliosmoles (without dissociation), and 300 milliosmoles x
0.93 = 279 milliosmoles (with a dissociation constant of 0.93).
TMP14 p. 58
3. E) The equilibrium potential of an ion can be calculated using the Nernst
equation as follows: Eion (in millivolts) = ± 61 × log (intracellular
concentration/extracellular concentration). The intracellular concentration of
potassium is relatively high compared to the extracellular concentration in
most cells of the body; this causes potassium to have a negative equilibrium
potential that averages about −90 millivolts in a typical neuron. A decrease in
extracellular potassium concentration (with no change in intracellular
concentration) would cause the potassium equilibrium potential to become
even more negative, according to the Nernst equation. The resting
membrane potential therefore would also become more negative because
this is dictated by the potassium equilibrium potential in normal cells of the
body.
TMP14 pp. 56–57
4. B) Sodium and chloride are nonpermenant ions that cannot move readily
through a lipid bilayer in either direction; this is typical of all charged ions
including potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, and hydrogen ions and others.
Because side Z in the figure has a greater initial concentration of NaCl
molecules compared with side Y, water will move down its concentration
gradient by osmosis from side Y to side Z, which will cause a decrease in the
volume of side Y and an increase in the volume of side Z. The total volume
of sides Y and Z together will not change, which excludes choices D and E.
TMP14 pp. 56, 58
5. A) Urea is a permeant molecule that can move through a lipid bilayer in
either direction. Hence, the concentration of urea will become equal in
compartments Y and Z within a fraction of a second. Water molecules can
more through the membrane more rapidly compared with urea, so the
volume in compartment Z will increase transiently. But again, the
concentration of urea will become equal on both sides of the membrane
within a fraction of a second, so the water volume will be the same in
compartments Y and Z at equilibrium.
TMP14 pp. 56, 58
6. D) Under basal conditions, the intracellular concentrations of sodium,
calcium, and chloride are less than the extracellular concentrations, whereas
potassium has a higher intracellular concentration compared with its
extracellular concentration. Transporter Y in the figure moves both
potassium and sodium ions against their concentration gradients, which is
primary active transport and is powered by ATP at the pump. Therefore,
when transporter Y is inhibited by ouabain, the intracellular concentration of
sodium increases (and the intracellular concentration of potassium
decreases). This increase in intracellular sodium concentration decreases the
sodium concentration gradient across the cell membrane. Now because the
energy required to move calcium ions out of the cell is powered by the
sodium concentration gradient (via secondary active transport), a decrease in
the transmembrane sodium gradient leads to an increase in the intracellular
calcium concentration. So, inhibition of transporter Y leads to increases in the
intracellular concentrations of both sodium and calcium ions. Cardiac
glycosides increase intracellular calcium concentration in cardiac muscle
cells by this mechanism.
TMP14 pp. 59–61
7. B) The resting membrane potential of a typical cell in the body is closest to
the equilibrium potential of the ion with the highest conductance (i.e.,
permeability). In most cells of the body, the conductance to potassium is
relatively high, causing the membrane potential to approach the potassium
equilibrium potential. In the diagram shown, the initial membrane potential
(Em) is represented by the level of line C. When the membrane conductance
to ion Y is increased, the membrane potential approaches the equilibrium
potential of ion Y; this eliminates answers C, D, and E. Answer A can also be
eliminated because the membrane potential cannot become greater than the
equilibrium potential of the ion.
TMP14 pp. 66–67
8. D) The maximum velocity of shortening of a muscle is dependent on the
predominant type of muscle fiber in the muscle as well as the overall length
of the muscle. In general, type II glycolytic muscles have a higher maximum
velocity of shortening compared with type I oxidative muscles. However, the
student must assume that all the muscles shown have similar proportions of
type I and type II fibers because this was not stated in the problem. Because
muscle 1 in the diagram has the second highest maximum velocity of
shortening, it corresponds with the second longest muscle (muscle D) shown
in the answer choices. Also, muscle D has the greatest diameter and thus
corresponds to Muscle 1, which is shown to exert the greatest force at zero
conduction velocity. Muscle diameter does not affect the maximum velocity
of shortening because this is extrapolated to a force of 0.
TMP14 pp. 85–86
9. C) A typical resting sarcomere length of 2 micrometers in skeletal muscle
provides optimal overlap of actin and myosin filaments, and thus, the
development of muscle tension is maximal at the resting length.
TMP14 p. 85
10. I) A normal contraction of a skeletal muscle fiber begins with depolarization
of the muscle fiber membrane which activates dihydropyridine voltage
sensors (event 4) of the transverse tubules. Activation of the dihydropyridine
voltage sensor leads to activation of the ryanodine receptor (event 2) with
subsequent release of calcium from the terminal cisternae (event 3); this
release of calcium increases the calcium concentration in the sarcoplasm
(event 1). Contraction of the muscle fiber follows.
TMP14 pp. 97–99
11. B) Malignant hyperthermia is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal
muscle in which ryanodine receptors respond to certain halogenated
anesthetics (as well as the muscle relaxant succinylcholine) by opening their
associated calcium channels within the muscle fiber and thus causing an
increase in myoplasmic calcium. This increase in myoplasmic calcium
concentration causes continual contraction of the skeletal muscles
everywhere in the body. The results are increased body temperature,
increased anaerobic metabolism, increased CO2
production, and increased
O2
usage by all skeletal muscles. Calsequestrin is a protein molecule that
binds calcium within the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the muscle fiber. Because
calcium is continually leaking from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the binding
of calcium to calsequestrin is decreased during an episode of malignant
hyperthermia.
TMP14 pp. 98, 100
12. B) Potassium channels in bacteria were found to have a tetrameric structure
consisting of four identical protein subunits surrounding a central pore. At
the top of the channel pore are pore loops that form a narrow selectivity filter.
Lining the selectivity filter are carbonyl oxygens. When hydrated potassium
ions enter the selectivity filter, they interact with the carbonyl oxygens and
shed most of their bound water molecules, permiing the dehydrated
potassium ions to pass through the channel. The carbonyl oxygens are too
far apart, however, to enable them to interact closely with the smaller
sodium ions, which are therefore effectively excluded by the selectivity filter
from passing through the pore.
TMP14 p. 53
13. D) A new action potential cannot occur in an excitable fiber when the
membrane is still depolarized from the preceding action potential. The
reason for this restriction is that shortly after the action potential is initiated,
the sodium channels (or calcium channels, or both) become inactivated, and
no amount of excitatory signal applied to these channels at this point will
open the inactivation gates. The only condition that will allow them to
reopen is for the membrane potential to return to or near the original resting
membrane potential level. Then, within another small fraction of a second,
the inactivation gates of the channels open and a new action potential can be
initiated.
TMP14 p. 76
14. A) Both myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome
(LEMS) can cause muscle weakness. In MG, antibodies aack the
acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic muscle fiber membrane. Damage
to the acetylcholine channels results in small endplate potentials that do not
reach a threshold value required for generation of an action potential in the
muscle fiber. In LEMS, antibodies aack the voltage-gated calcium channels
on the presynaptic membrane; without proper function of these channels,
insufficient amounts of acetylcholine are released into the neuromuscular
junction, again, resulting in small endplate potentials.
TMP14 p. 97
15. B) In visceral smooth muscle, the cell membranes are joined by many gap
junctions through which ions can flow freely from one muscle cell to the next
so that action potentials, or simple ion flow without action potentials, can
travel from one fiber to the next and cause the muscle fibers to contract
together at the same time. This type of smooth muscle is also known as
syncytial smooth muscle because of its syncytial interconnections among fibers.
It is also called visceral smooth muscle because it is found in the walls of most
viscera of the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, ureters,
uterus, and many blood vessels.
TMP14 pp. 105–106
16. E) Summation of muscle contractions occurs when a person aempts to lift
heavy weights. Summation occurs in two ways: (1) by increasing the number
of motor units contracting simultaneously, which is called multiple fiber
summation, and (2) by increasing the frequency of contraction of individual
muscle fibers, which is called frequency summation. So, when a person
aempts to lift a heavy weight, an increased number of motor units is
activated, and, the frequency of motor nerve action potentials to the motor
units of the muscle is also increased.
TMP14 pp. 88–89
17. A) The extracellular fluid contains a large amount of sodium, calcium, and
chloride but only a small amount of potassium. The opposite is true of the
intracellular fluid. However, the concentrations of phosphates and proteins
in the intracellular fluid are considerably greater than those in the
extracellular fluid. These differences are extremely important to the life of
the cell, as discussed inChapter 4.
TMP14 p. 51
18. D) When smooth muscle has developed full contraction, the amount of
continuing excitation can usually be reduced to far less than the initial level
even though the muscle maintains its full force of contraction. This
mechanism is called the “latch” mechanism.
TMP14 p. 103
19. E) The equilibrium potential for chloride (ECl −) can be calculated using the
Nernst equation as follows: ECl − (in millivolts) = +61 × log (Ci
/Co
), where Ci
is the intracellular concentration and Co
is the extracellular concentration.
Hence, ECl − = +61 × log (5/125) = −85 millivolts.
TMP14 p. 63
20. E) The equilibrium potential for potassium (EK
+
) can be calculated using
the Nernst equation as follows: EK
+
(in millivolts) = −61 × log (Ci
/Co
). In this
problem, EK
+
= −61 × log (140/5) = −88 millivolts.
TMP14 p. 63
21. A) The net driving force on any ion is the difference in millivolts between
the membrane potential (Vm) and the equilibrium potential for that ion
(Eion). In this cell, EK
+
= −88 millivolts, ECl − = −85 millivolts, ENa
+
= +66
millivolts, and ECa
2+ = +145 millivolts. Therefore, Ca2+ is the ion with the
equilibrium potential farthest from Vm. This means that Ca2+ would have the
greatest tendency to cross the membrane and enter the cell through an open
channel in this hypothetical cell.
TMP14 p. 63
22. D) Skeletal muscle contraction is tightly regulated by the concentration of
Ca2+ in the sarcoplasm. As long as sarcoplasmic Ca2+ is sufficiently high,
none of the remaining events—removal of acetylcholine from the
neuromuscular junction, removal of Ca2+ from the presynaptic terminal,
closure of the acetylcholine receptor channel, and return of the
dihydropyridine receptor to its resting conformation—would have any effect
on the contractile state of the muscle.
TMP14 pp. 97–98
23. D) The resting potential of any cell is dependent on the concentration
gradients of the permeant ions and their relative permeabilities (Goldman
equation). In the myelinated nerve fiber, as in most cells, the resting
membrane is predominantly permeable to K+
. The negative membrane
potential observed in most cells (including nerve cells) is due primarily to
the relatively high intracellular concentration and high permeability of K+
.
TMP14 p. 64
24. B) A neurotransmier is considered to be a ligand, so when a
neurotransmier binds to its receptor on an ion channel, causing the channel
to open, the channel is said to be ligand gated; voltage-gated channels open
and close in response to changes in electrical potential across the cell
membrane. The mechanism of transport through all water-filled channels is
diffusion. Secondary active transport and primary active transport require
special transport proteins rather than water-filled channels in the membrane.
TMP14 p. 53
25. B) The physical lengths of the actin and myosin filaments do not change
during contraction. Therefore, the A band, which is composed of myosin
filaments, does not change either. The distance between Z disks decreases,
but the Z disks themselves do not change. Only the I band decreases in
length as the muscle contracts.
TMP14 p. 82
26. E) The equilibrium potential of an ion (also called the Nernst potential) is
the membrane potential at which there is no net movement of that ion across
the cell membrane. The various ions (Q, R, and S) move across the cell
membrane in the direction required to reach their individual equilibrium
potentials given the resting membrane potential of −90 millivolts. Negatively
charged Q ions must move out of the cell (outward) to achieve an
equilibrium potential of −75 millivolts (i.e., negatively charged ions must be
removed from the cell to cause the membrane potential to change from a
resting value of −90 millivolts to a value of −75 millivolts). Because the
positively charged R ion has an equilibrium potential of +75 millivolts, the R
ion must move into the cell to cause the membrane potential to change from
−90 millivolts to +75 millivolts. Ion S is a posi tively charged ion with an
equilibrium potential of −85 mV; this ion must move into the cell (inward) to
cause the membrane potential to change from −90 millivolts to −85 millivolts.
TMP14 pp. 64–65
27. B) Prolonged or repeated maximal contraction results in a concomitant
increase in the synthesis of contractile proteins and an increase in muscle
mass. This increase in mass, or hypertrophy, is observed at the level of
individual muscle fibers.
TMP14 pp. 90–91
28. B) The velocity of an action potential increases in proportion to the diameter
of the axon for both myelinated and nonmyelinated axons. Myelination
increases the velocity of an action potential by several orders of magnitude
more compared with the effect of an increase in axon diameter, which means
that a large myelinated axon has the highest velocity of conduction.
Therefore, even though unmyelinated axon E has the greatest diameter,
myelinated axon B can conduct an action potential at a much greater
velocity.
TMP14 pp. 74–75
29. D) At point B in this action potential, Vm has reached threshold potential
and has triggered the opening of voltage-gated Na+
channels. The resulting
Na+
influx is responsible for the rapid, self-perpetuating depolarization
phase of the action potential.
TMP14 pp. 67–68
30. C) The rapid depolarization phase is terminated at Point D by the
inactivation of the voltage-gated Na+
channels and the opening of the
voltage-gated K+
channels. The laer results in the efflux of K+
from the
cytosol into the extracellular fluid and repolarization of the cell membrane.
TMP14 pp. 67–68
31. B) The velocity of an action potential is a function of the physical
characteristics of the axon (e.g., myelination, axon diameter). A given axon
will always conduct any action potential at the same velocity under normal
conditions. Therefore, stimulation of the axon with a 25-millivolt pulse or
100 millivolts will produce an action potential with the same velocity, which
is why action potentials are said to be “all or none.” However, the level of
stimulation must be sufficient to achieve a critical threshold level of potential
before an action potential can be initiated in an axon.
TMP14 p. 72
32. D) Muscle B is characteristic of a slow-twitch muscle (type I) composed of
predominantly slow-twitch muscle fibers. These fibers are smaller in size and
are innervated by smaller nerve fibers. They typically have a more extensive
blood supply, a greater number of mitochondria, and large amounts of
myoglobin, all of which support high levels of oxidative phosphorylation.
TMP14 p. 88
33. C) Muscle contraction is triggered by an increase in sarcoplasmic Ca2+
concentration. The delay between the termination of the depolarizing pulse
and the onset of muscle contraction, also called the “lag,” reflects the time
necessary for the depolarizing pulse to be translated into an increase in
sarcoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. This process involves a conformational
change in the voltage-sensing, or dihydropyridine receptor, located on the T
tubule membrane, along with the subsequent conformational change in the
ryanodine receptor on the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the release of Ca2+
from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
TMP14 pp. 97–99
34. B) Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies
damage postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This damage prevents
the firing of an action potential in the postsynaptic membrane. Tensilon
(edrophonium) is a readily reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that
increases acetylcholine levels in the neuromuscular junction, thereby
increasing the strength of muscle contraction.
TMP14 p. 97
35. E) Neostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Administration of this
drug would increase the amount of ACh present in the synapse and its
ability to sufficiently depolarize the postsynaptic membrane and trigger an
action potential. Botulinum toxin antiserum is effective only against
botulinum toxicity. Curare blocks the nicotinic ACh receptor and causes
muscle weakness. Atropine is a muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist, and
halothane is an anesthetic gas. Neither atropine nor halothane has any effect
on the neuromuscular junction.
TMP14 pp. 96, 97
36. B) In this figure, “active” or contraction-dependent tension is the difference
between total tension (trace A) and the passive tension contributed by
noncontractile elements (trace C). The length-tension relationship in intact
muscle resembles the biphasic relationship observed in individual
sarcomeres and reflects the same physical interactions between actin and
myosin filaments.
TMP14 p. 85
37. E) “Active” tension is maximal at normal physiological muscle lengths. At
this point, there is optimal overlap between actin and myosin filaments to
support maximal cross-bridge formation and tension development.
TMP14 p. 85
38. C) Trace C represents the passive tension contributed by noncontractile
elements, including fascia, tendons, and ligaments. This passive tension
accounts for an increasingly large portion of the total tension recorded in
intact muscle as it is stretched beyond its normal length.
TMP14 p. 85
39. B) Smooth muscle contraction is regulated by both Ca2+ and myosin light
chain phosphorylation. When the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration decreases
after the initiation of contraction, myosin kinase becomes inactivated.
However, cross-bridge formation continues, even in the absence of Ca2+
,
until the myosin light chains are dephosphorylated through the action of
myosin light chain phosphatase.
TMP14 pp. 103–104
40. C) The normal miniature endplate potentials indicate sufficient synthesis
and packaging of ACh and the presence and normal function of ACh
receptor channels. The most likely explanation for this patient’s symptoms is
a presynaptic deficiency—in this case, an impairment of the voltage-sensitive
Ca2+ channels responsible for the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ that triggers the
release of ACh into the synapse. The increase in postsynaptic depolarization
observed after exercise is indicative of an accumulation of Ca2+ in the
presynaptic terminal after multiple action potentials have reached the nerve
terminal.
TMP14 pp. 93–94
41. B) Inhibition of the presynaptic voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels is most
consistent with the presence of antibodies against this channel. Antibodies
against the ACh receptor, a mutation in the ryanodine receptor, and residual
ACh in the junction are all indicative of postsynaptic defects. Although it is a
presynaptic defect, a deficit of ACh vesicles is unlikely in this scenario, given
the normal miniature endplate potentials recorded in the postsynaptic
membrane.
TMP14 pp. 93–94
42. B) Botulinum toxin inhibits muscle contraction presynaptically by
decreasing the amount of ACh released into the neuromuscular junction. In
contrast, curare acts postsynaptically, blocking the nicotinic ACh receptors
and preventing the excitation of the muscle cell membrane. Tetrodotoxin
blocks voltage-sensitive Na+
channels, affecting both the initiation and the
propagation of action potentials in the motor neuron. Both ACh and
neostigmine stimulate muscle contraction.
TMP14 pp. 95–96
43. D) During an action potential in a nerve cell, Vm approaches ENa during the
rapid depolarization phase when the permeability of the membrane to Na+
(PNa) increases relative to its permeability to K+
(PK). In a “typical” cell, ENa
is close to 60 millivolts. Vm is closest to ENa at point D in this figure. At this
point, the ratio of PNa to PK is the greatest.
TMP14 pp. 70–71
44. F) The driving force for Na+
is greatest at the point at which Vm is the
farthest from ENa. If ENa is very positive (≈ 60 millivolts), Vm is farthest from
ENa at point F, or when the cell is the most hyperpolarized.
TMP14 pp. 70–71
45. F) Generally, Vm is closest to the equilibrium potential of the most permeant
ion. In nerve cells, PK >> PNa at rest. As a result, Vm is relatively close to EK.
During the after-potential or the hyperpolarization phase of the action
potential, the ratio of PK to PNa is even greater than it is at rest because of the
residual opening of voltage-gated K+
channels and the inactivation of the
voltage-gated Na+
channels. PK:PNa is greatest at point F, at which point Vm
comes closest to EK.
TMP14 pp. 70–71
46. D) Muscle fibers have significant plasticity, which means that their
characteristics can change depending on the frequency at which they are
stimulated. When a nerve that innervates a predominantly fast type II
muscle is anastomosed to a predominantly slow type I muscle, the type I
muscle is converted to a type II muscle. Compared with type I muscle fibers,
type II fibers have a larger diameter, higher glycolytic activity, greater
maximum velocity of contraction, lower mitochondrial content, and higher
myosin ATPase activity. Therefore, only mitochondrial content decreases
when a type I fiber is converted to a type II fiber.
TMP14 p. 88
47. B) The redistribution of fluid volume shown in part B reflects the net
diffusion of water, or osmosis, because of differences in the osmolarity of the
solutions on either side of the semipermeable membrane. Osmosis occurs
from solutions of high water concentration to low water concentration or
from low osmolarity to high osmolarity. In part B, osmosis has occurred
from X to Y and from Y to Z. Therefore, the osmolarity of solution Z is higher
than that of solution Y, and the osmolarity of solution Y is higher than that of
solution X.
TMP14 pp. 57–58
48. E) These so-called slow Ca2+ channels have a slower inactivation rate,
thereby lengthening the time during which they are open. This phenomenon,
in turn, delays the repolarization phase of the action potential, creating a
“plateau” before the channels inactivate.
TMP14 pp. 72–73
49. A) In the absence of hyperpolarization, the inability of an otherwise
excitatory stimulus to initiate an action potential is most likely the result of
the blockade of the voltage-gated channels responsible for the generation of
the all-or-none depolarization. In nerve cells, these channels are the voltagegated Na+
channels.
TMP14 pp. 68, 70
50. C) Skeletal muscle continuously remodels in response to its level of use.
When a muscle is inactive for an extended period, the rate of synthesis of the
contractile proteins in individual muscle fibers decreases, resulting in an
overall reduction in muscle mass. This reversible reduction in muscle mass is
called atrophy.
TMP14 pp. 90–91
51. C) Ouabain inhibits Na+
, K+
-ATPase. This ATP-dependent enzyme
transports three Na+
ions out of the cell for every two K+
ions it transports
into the cell. It is a classic example of primary active transport.
TMP14 p. 59
52. A) Glucose is transported into skeletal muscle cells via insulin-dependent
facilitated diffusion.
TMP14 p. 56
53. E) The activity of Na+
, K+
-ATPase maintains the relatively high K+
concentration inside the cell and the relatively high Na+
concentration in the
extracellular fluid. This large concentration gradient for Na+
across the
plasma membrane, together with the net negative charge on the inside of the
cell, continuously drives Na+
ions from the extracellular fluid into the
cytosol. This energy is used to transport other molecules, such as Ca2+
,
against their concentration gradients. Because ATP is required to maintain
the Na+
gradient that drives this counter-transport, this type of transport is
called secondary active transport.
TMP14 pp. 60–61
54. D) Much like Na+
- Ca2+ countertransport, the strong tendency for Na+
to
move across the plasma membrane into the cytosol can be harnessed by
transport proteins and used to co-transport molecules against their
concentration gradients into the cytosol. An example of this type of
secondary co-transport is the transport of glucose into intestinal epithelial
cells.
TMP14 p. 61
55. A) During the rapid depolarization phase of a nerve action potential,
voltage-sensitive Na+
channels open and allow the influx of Na+
ions into the
cytosol. Transport through membrane channels is an example of diffusion.
TMP14 p. 68
56. E) Trace A exhibits the characteristic shape of an action potential, including
the rapid depolarization followed by a rapid repolarization that temporarily
overshoots the resting potential. Trace B best illustrates the change in PNa
that occurs during an action potential. The rapid increase in PNa closely
parallels the rapid depolarization phase of the action potential. Trace C best
illustrates the slow onset of the increase in PK that reflects the opening of the
voltage-gated K+
channels.
TMP14 p. 70
57. D) Stretching the muscle to facilitate reaachment of the tendons leads to an
increase in passive tension or preload. This increase in passive tension
increases the muscle length beyond its ideal length, which in turn leads to a
decrease in the maximal active tension that can be generated by the muscle.
The reason maximal active tension decreases is that interdigitation of actin
and myosin filaments decreases when the muscle is stretched; the
interdigitation of a muscle is normally optimal at its resting length.
TMP14 p. 85
58. C) The figure shows the relationship between preload or passive tension
(curve Z), total tension (curve X), and active tension (curve Y). Active tension
cannot be measured directly: it is the difference between total tension and
passive tension. To answer this question, the student must first find where
100 g intersects the preload curve (passive tension curve) and then move
down to the active tension curve. One can see that a preload of 100 g is
associated with a total tension of a lile more than 150 g and an active
tension of a lile more than 50 g. Note that active tension equals total tension
minus passive tension, as previously discussed. Drawing these three curves
in a manner that is mathematically correct is not an easy task. The student
should thus recognize that active tension may not equal total tension minus
passive tension at all points on the figure shown here, as well as on United
States Medical Licensing Examination figures.
TMP14 p. 85
59. E) Smooth muscle is unique in its ability to generate various degrees of
tension at a constant concentration of intracellular calcium. This change in
calcium sensitivity of smooth muscle can be aributed to differences in the
activity of MLCP. Smooth muscle contracts when the myosin light chain is
phosphorylated by the actions of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). MLCP
is a phosphatase that can dephosphorylate the myosin light chain, rendering
it inactive and therefore aenuating the muscle contraction. Choice A: Both
actin and myosin are important components of the smooth muscle
contractile apparatus, much like that of skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle,
but these components do not play a role in calcium sensitivity. Choice B:
ATP is required for smooth muscle contraction. Decreased ATP levels would
be expected to decrease the ability of smooth muscle to contract even in the
face of high calcium levels. Choice C: The calcium-–calmodulin complex
binds with MLCK, which leads to phosphorylation of the myosin light chain.
A decrease in the calcium- calmodulin complex should aenuate the
contraction of smooth muscle. Choice D: Again, the binding of calcium ions
to calmodulin is an initial step in the activation of the smooth muscle
contractile apparatus.
TMP14 p. 105
60. B) Smooth muscle can be stimulated to contract without the generation of
an action potential, whereas both cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle require
an action potential. Smooth muscle can contract in response to any stimulus
that increases the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, which includes Ca2+ channel
openers, subthreshold depolarization, and a variety of tissue factors and
circulating hormones that stimulate the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores.
Smooth muscle contraction uses less energy and lasts longer compared with
that of skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. Smooth muscle contraction is
heavily Ca2+ dependent.
TMP14 p. 108
61. D) The figure shows that the maximum velocity of shortening (Vmax) occurs
when there is no afterload on the muscle (force = 0). Increasing afterload
decreases the velocity of shortening until a point is reached at which
shortening does not occur (isometric contraction) and contraction velocity is
thus 0 (where curves intersect the x-axis). The maximum velocity of
shortening is dictated by the ATPase activity of the muscle, increasing to
high levels when the ATPase activity is elevated. Choice A: Increasing the
frequency of muscle contraction will increase the load that a muscle can lift
within the limits of the muscle, but it will not affect the velocity of
contraction. Choices B, C, and E: Muscle hypertrophy, increasing muscle
mass, and recruiting additional motor units will increase the maximum load
that a muscle can lift, but they will not affect the maximum velocity of
contraction.
TMP14 pp. 86, 88
Unit III: The Heart
Questions 1–4
A patient has a resting heart rate of 82 beats/min, normal blood
pressure, and normal body temperature. Use the pressure-volume
diagram of the left ventricle below to answer Questions 1–4.
1. What is the stroke volume in milliliters?
A) 150
B) 100
C) 85
D) 50
E) 70
2. What is the cardiac output of this patient?
A) 7000 ml/min
B) 50000 ml/min
C) 8200 ml/min
D) 8500 ml/min
E) 5000 ml/min
3. What is the extent of diastole in the ventricular pressure-volume
relationship?
A) At point B
B) From point D to point A
C) From point A to point C
D) From point D and point B
E) From point A and point B
4. What is correct about isovolumetric contraction?
A) Extends from B to C in the ventricular pressure-volume curve
B) Extends from D to A in the ventricular pressure-volume curve
C) Represents afterload in the ventricular pressure-volume curve
D) Represents a decrease in pressure with preserved volume
E) Depends on ventricular ejection
5. Which statement about action potential of cardiac muscle is most
accurate?
A) The calcium from T-tubules is less important as it is for
skeletal muscle
B) Phase 0 is predominantly dependent on slow potassium
channels
C) The end of the action potential (phase 2) causes an opening of
slow potassium channels
D) Action potential cause myofibrils to contract
E) Mucopolysaccharides inside the T-tubules provide chloride
ions to trigger phase 0
6. A 47-year-old man has an ejection fraction of 0.32 and an enddiastolic volume of 160 ml. What is (approximately) the value of
end-systolic volume?
A) 48 ml
B) 83 ml
C) 109 ml
D) 51 ml
E) 170 ml
7. In a resting adult, the typical ventricular ejection fraction has what
value?
A) 20%
B) 30%
C) 40%
D) 60%
E) 80%
8. In which phase of the ventricular muscle action potential is the
potassium permeability the highest?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3
E) 4
9. A 48-year-old man’s ECG shows that he has an R-R interval of 1.8
seconds at rest. Which statement best explains his condition?
A) He has fever
B) He may have an A-V block
C) He has decreased parasympathetic stimulation of the S-A
node
D) He is a trained athlete after exercise
E) He has augmented sympathetic stimulation of sinus node
10. Which of the following is most likely to cause the heart to go into
spastic contraction?
A) Increased body temperature
B) Increased sympathetic activity
C) Decreased extracellular fluid potassium ions
D) Excess extracellular fluid potassium ions
E) Excess extracellular fluid calcium ions
11. What happens at the end of ventricular isovolumic relaxation?
A) The A-V valves close
B) The aortic valve opens
C) The aortic valve closes
D) The mitral valve opens
E) The pulmonary valve closes
p y
12. Which event is associated with the first heart sound?
A) Closing of the aortic valve
B) Inrushing of blood into the ventricles during diastole
C) Beginning of diastole
D) Opening of the A-V valves
E) Closing of the A-V valves
13. Which condition will result in a dilated, flaccid heart?
A) Excess calcium ions in the blood
B) Excess potassium ions in the blood
C) Excess sodium ions in the blood
D) Increased sympathetic stimulation
E) Increased norepinephrine concentration in the blood
14. A 25-year-old well-conditioned athlete weighs 80 kg (176 lb).
During maximal sympathetic stimulation, what is the plateau level
of his cardiac output function curve?
A) 3 l/min
B) 5 l/min
C) 10 l/min
D) 13 l/min
E) 25 l/min
15. Which phase of the cardiac cycle follows immediately after the
beginning of the QRS wave?
A) Isovolumic relaxation
B) Ventricular ejection
C) Atrial systole
D) Diastasis
E) Isovolumic contraction
16. Which of the following structures will have the slowest rate of
conduction of the cardiac action potential?
A) Atrial muscle
B) Anterior internodal pathway
C) A-V bundle fibers
D) Purkinje fibers
E) Ventricular muscle
17. What is the normal total delay of the cardiac impulse in the A-V
node + bundle?
A) 0.22 second
B) 0.18 second
C) 0.16 second
D) 0.13 second
E) 0.09 second
18. Sympathetic stimulation of the heart does which of the following?
A) Releases acetylcholine at the sympathetic endings
B) Decreases sinus nodal discharge rate
C) Decreases excitability of the heart
D) Releases norepinephrine at the sympathetic endings
E) Decreases cardiac contractility
19. If the S-A node discharges at 0.00 seconds, when will the action
potential normally arrive at the epicardial surface at the base of the
left ventricle?
A) 0.22 second
B) 0.18 second
C) 0.16 second
D) 0.12 second
E) 0.09 second
20. Which condition at the A-V node will cause a decrease in heart
rate?
A) Increased sodium permeability
B) Decreased acetylcholine levels
C) Increased norepinephrine levels
D) Increased potassium permeability
E) Increased calcium permeability
21. Which statement best explains how sympathetic stimulation affects
the heart?
A) The permeability of the S-A node to sodium decreases
B) The permeability of the A-V node to sodium decreases
C) The permeability of the S-A node to potassium increases
D) There is an increased rate of upward drift of the resting
membrane potential of the S-A node
E) The permeability of the cardiac muscle to calcium decreases
22. What is the membrane potential (threshold level) at which the S-A
node discharges?
A) −40 millivolt
B) −55 millivolt
C) −65 millivolt
D) −85 millivolt
E) −105 millivolt
23. Which condition at the S-A node will cause the heart rate to
decrease?
A) Increased norepinephrine level
B) Increased sodium permeability
C) Increased calcium permeability
D) Increased potassium permeability
E) Decreased acetylcholine level
24. In which phase of the ventricular muscle action potential is the
sodium permeability the highest?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3
E) 4
25. If the S-A node discharges at 0.00 seconds, when will the action
potential normally arrive at the A-V bundle (bundle of His)?
A) 0.22 second
B) 0.18 second
C) 0.16 second
D) 0.12 second
E) 0.09 second
26. If the Purkinje fibers, situated distal to the A-V junction, become
the pacemaker of the heart, what is the expected heart rate?
A) 30/min
B) 50/min
C) 60/min
D) 70/min
E) 80/min
27. What is correct about the sinus node?
A) Delays the cardiac conduction if sympathetic activity
increases
B) Acts as a pacemaker because the membrane constantly leaks
Na+
from extracellular fluid
C) The constant leak of K+
makes resting potential in the sinus
node gradually rise
D) Feedback from the Purkinje fibers defines the sinus node
discharge
E) The resting membrane potential of the sinus node is +55 to
+60mV
28. What is correct about the conduction system?
A) The longest delay of the cardiac impulse is in the A-V bundles
B) The lack of GAP junctions is responsible for the fast
conduction of Purkinje fibers
C) The A-V node inhibit the sinus node during exercise
(overdrive suppression)
D) If sinus node fails, lower portions of the conduction system
can act as pacemaker
29. A patient had an ECG at the local emergency department. The
aending physician stated that the patient had an A-V nodal
rhythm. What is the likely heart rate?
A) 30/min
B) 50/min
C) 65/min
D) 75/min
E) 85/min
30. Which of the following is correct about ECG?
A) The mean vector of depolarization moves from negative to
positive, from front to back, from left to right
B) The P wave represents atrial depolarization and
repolarization
C) The Q-T interval approximates the time of ventricular
contraction
D) The P-R interval includes ventricular repolarization
E) The T wave always opposes QRS polarity
31. When recording lead aVL on an ECG, which is the positive
electrode?
A) Left arm
B) Left leg
C) Right leg
D) Left arm + left leg
E) Right arm + left leg
32. When recording lead II on an ECG, the right arm is the negative
electrode and the positive electrode is the
A) Left arm
B) Left leg
C) Right leg
D) Left arm + left leg
E) Right arm + left leg
g g
33. Sympathetic stimulation of the heart normally causes which
condition?
A) Acetylcholine release at the sympathetic endings
B) Decreased heart rate
C) Decreased rate of conduction of the cardiac impulse
D) Decreased force of contraction of the atria
E) Increased force of contraction of the ventricles
Questions 34 and 35
A 70-year-old woman had an ECG at her annual checkup. Use her lead
II recording below to answer Questions 34 and 35.
34. What is her heart rate in beats/min?
A) 70
B) 78
C) 84
D) 94
E) 104
35. According to Einthoven’s law, if the QRS voltage in lead III is 0.4
millivolt, what is the QRS voltage in lead I?
A) 0.05 millivolt
B) 0.50 millivolt
C) 1.05 millivolts
D) 1.25 millivolts
E) 2.05 millivolts
36. What is the normal QT interval?
A) 0.03 second
B) 0.13 second
C) 0.16 second
D) 0.20 second
E) 0.35 second
37. When recording lead II on an ECG, the negative electrode is the
A) Right arm
B) Left leg
C) Right leg
D) Left arm + left leg
E) Right arm + left leg
38. When recording aVF on an ECG, the negative electrode/s is/are in
which area?
A) Left arm, left leg
B) Right arm, left arm
C) Left leg
D) Left leg, right leg
E) Chest
39. A 65-year-old man had an ECG at a local emergency department
after a biking accident. His weight was 80 kg (176 lb), and his aortic
blood pressure was 160/90 mm Hg. The QRS voltage was 0.5
millivolt in lead I and 1.5 millivolts in lead III. What is the QRS
voltage in lead II?
A) 0.5 millivolt
B) 1.0 millivolt
C) 1.5 millivolts
D) 2.0 millivolts
E) 2.5 millivolts
40. What is correct about ECG leads?
A) The anterior or posterior origin of the current of injury is
defined by precordial (chest) leads
B) The anterior or posterior origin of the current of injury is
defined by bipolar leads
C) Displaced J point in aVF lead suggest lateral ischemia
D) ST elevation in aVR suggests ischemia in the apex of the left
ventricle
E) The T wave is always positive in all leads.
y p
Questions 41–43
A 60-year-old woman had an ECG recorded at a local emergency
department after an automobile accident. Her weight was 70 kg (154 lb),
and her aortic blood pressure was 140/80 mm Hg. Use this information
and the figure below to answer Questions 41–43.
41. What is the mean electrical axis calculated from standard leads I,
II, and III shown in the woman’s ECG?
A) −90 degrees
B) −50 degrees
C) −12 degrees
D) +100 degrees
E) +170 degrees
42. What is the heart rate using lead I for the calculation?
A) 70
B) 88
C) 100
D) 112
E) 148
43. What is her likely diagnosis?
A) Tricuspid valve stenosis
B) Left bundle branch block
C) Pulmonary valve stenosis
D) Pulmonary valve insufficiency
E) Aortic insufficiency
44. Which event is most often associated with deviation of electrical
axis to the left?
A) Pulmonary stenosis
B) Right bundle branch block
C) Aortic stenosis
D) Tetralogy of Fallot
E) Third degree A-V block
45. A ventricular depolarization wave, when traveling 60 degrees in
the frontal plane, will cause a large positive deflection in which of
the following leads?
A) aVR
B) aVL
C) Lead I
D) Lead II
E) aVF
A 50-year-old woman was admied to a local emergency department
after a motorcycle accident. The following ECG was obtained.
46. What is her heart rate? Use lead I for the calculation.
A) 56
B) 66
C) 76
D) 103
E) 152
47. Which condition or individual may show increased voltage of
ECG leads?
A) A 76-year old patient with old infarcts
B) A 37-year old patient with old infarcts
C) A trained athlete
D) Pericardial effusion (increased conductance)
E) Pleural effusion
48. Mr. Smith had an ECG at a local hospital, but his records were
lost. The ECG technician remembered that the QRS deflection was
large and positive in lead II and 0 in aVL. What is his mean
electrical axis in the frontal plane?
A) 90 degrees
B) 60 degrees
C) 0 degree
D) −60 degrees
E) −90 degrees
49. A 70-year-old woman came to a hospital emergency department
because she was experiencing chest pain. Based on the ECG shown
above, what is the likely diagnosis?
A) Acute anterior infarction in the left ventricle of the heart
B) Acute anterior infarction in the right ventricle of the heart
C) Acute posterior infarction in the left ventricle of the heart
D) Acute posterior infarction in the right ventricle of the heart
E) Right ventricular hypertrophy
50. A 55-year-old man underwent an ECG at an annual physical
examination and his net deflection (R wave minus Q or S wave) in
standard limb lead I was −1.2 millivolts. Standard limb lead II has a
net deflection of +1.2 millivolts. What is the mean electrical axis of
his QRS?
A) −30 degrees
B) +30 degrees
C) +60 degrees
D) +120 degrees
E) −120 degrees
51. During the T-P interval in an ECG of a patient with a damaged
cardiac muscle, which of the following is true?
A) The entire ventricle is depolarized
B) The entire ventricle is depolarized except for the damaged
cardiac muscle
C) About half the ventricle is depolarized
D) The entire ventricle is repolarized
E) The entire ventricle is repolarized except for the damaged
cardiac muscle
52. A 50-year-old man is a new employee at ABC Software. The above
ECG was recorded during a routine physical examination. What is
his likely diagnosis?
A) Chronic systemic hypertension
B) Chronic pulmonary hypertension
C) Second-degree heart block
D) Paroxysmal tachycardia
E) Tricuspid valve stenosis
53. A 30-year-old man had an ECG at his physician’s office, but his
records were lost. The ECG technician remembered that the QRS
deflection was large and positive in lead aVF and 0 in lead I. What
is the mean electrical axis in the frontal plane?
A) 90 degrees
B) 60 degrees
C) 0 degree
D) −60 degrees
E) −90 degrees
54. A 60-year-old woman tires easily. Her ECG shows a QRS complex
that is positive in the aVF lead and negative in standard limb lead
I. What is a likely cause of this condition?
A) Chronic systemic hypertension
B) Pulmonary hypertension
C) Aortic valve stenosis
D) Aortic valve regurgitation
55. A 65-year-old patient with a heart murmur has a mean QRS axis of
120 degrees, and the QRS complex lasts 0.18 second. What is the
likely diagnosis?
A) Aortic valve stenosis
B) Aortic valve regurgitation
C) Mitral valve regurgitation
D) Right bundle branch block
E) Left bundle branch block
56. A 60-year-old woman came to the hospital emergency department
and reported chest pain. Based on the ECG tracing shown above,
what is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Acute anterior infarction in the base of the heart
B) Acute anterior infarction in the apex of the heart
C) Acute posterior infarction in the base of the heart
D) Acute posterior infarction in the apex of the heart
E) Right ventricular hypertrophy
57. A 50-year-old man has been having fainting “spells” for about 2
weeks. During the episodes, his ECG shows a ventricular rate of 25
beats/min and 100 P waves/min. After about 30 seconds of fainting,
a normal sinus rhythm recurs. What is his likely diagnosis?
A) Atrial fluer
B) First-degree A-V block
C) Second-degree A-V block
D) Third-degree A-V block
E) Stokes-Adams syndrome
58. An 80-year-old man had an ECG taken at his local doctor’s office,
and the diagnosis was atrial fibrillation. Which condition is likely
in someone with atrial fibrillation?
A) Ventricular fibrillation, which normally accompanies atrial
fibrillation
B) Strong P waves on the ECG
C) An irregular and fast rate of ventricular contraction
D) A normal atrial “a” wave
E) A smaller atrial volume than normal
59. Circus movements in the ventricle can lead to ventricular
fibrillation. Which condition in the ventricular muscle will increase
the tendency for circus movements?
A) Decreased refractory period
B) Low extracellular potassium concentration
C) Increased refractory period
D) Shorter conduction pathway (decreased ventricular volume)
E) Increase in parasympathetic impulses to the heart
60. A 50-year-old man has a blood pressure of 140/85 mm Hg and
weighs 90.7 kg (200 lb). He reports that he is not feeling well, his
ECG has no P waves, he has a heart rate of 46 beats/min, and the
QRS complexes occur regularly. What is his likely condition?
A) First-degree heart block
B) Second-degree heart block
C) Third-degree heart block
D) Sinoatrial heart block
E) Sinus bradycardia
61. The following ECG tracing was obtained for a 60-year-old man
who weighs 99.8 kg (220 lb). Standard lead II is shown above. What
is his diagnosis?
A) A-V nodal rhythm
B) First-degree A-V heart block
C) Second-degree A-V heart block
D) Third-degree A-V heart block
E) Atrial fluer
62. A 35-year-old woman had unusual sensations in her chest after
she smoked a cigaree. Her ECG tracing is shown above. What is
the likely diagnosis?
A) Premature contraction originating in the atrium
B) Premature contraction originating high in the A-V node
C) Premature contraction originating low in the A-V node
D) Premature contraction originating in the apex of the ventricle
E) Premature contraction originating in the base of the ventricle
Questions 63 and 64
A 55-year-old man had the below ECG tracing recorded at his doctor’s
office at a routine physical examination. Use this tracing to answer
Questions 63 and 64.
63. What is his diagnosis?
A) Normal ECG
B) Atrial fluer
C) A high A-V junctional pacemaker
D) A middle A-V junctional pacemaker
E) A low A-V junctional pacemaker
64. What is his ventricular heart rate in beats/min?
A) 37.5
B) 60
C) 75
D) 100
E) 150
65. Which of the following is correct about ventricular fibrillation
(VF)?
A) Circus movements (a potential mechanism of VF) from the
atria are conducted to the ventricles and back
B) A potential trigger for a circus movements (a potential
mechanism of VF) is a longer refractory period
C) A potential trigger for a circus movements (a potential
mechanism of VF) is a decreased in velocity of conduction
D) VF usually reverses spontaneously
E) If heart rate is not over 120/min, VF does not need to be
treated
66. Which of the following will usually result in an inverted P wave
that occurs after the QRS complex?
A) Premature contraction originating in the atrium
B) Premature contraction originating high in the A-V junction
C) Premature contraction originating in the middle of the A-V
junction
D) Premature contraction originating low in the A-V junction
E) Atrial fibrillation
67. A 65-year-old woman who had a myocardial infarction 10 days
ago returned to her family physician’s office and reported that her
pulse rate felt rapid. Based on the above ECG tracing, what is the
likely diagnosis?
A) Stokes-Adams syndrome
B) Atrial fibrillation
C) A-V nodal tachycardia
D) Atrial paroxysmal tachycardia
E) Ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia
68. A 65-year-old man had the above ECG tracing recorded at his
annual physical examination. What is the likely diagnosis?
A) Atrial paroxysmal tachycardia
B) First-degree A-V block
C) Second-degree A-V block
D) Third-degree A-V block
E) Atrial fluer
69. A 60-year-old woman has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
Which statement best describes this condition?
A) The ventricular rate of contraction is 140 beats/min
B) The P waves of the ECG are pronounced
C) Ventricular contractions occur at regular intervals
D) The QRS waves are more pronounced than normal
E) The atria are smaller than normal
70. What occurs after electrical shock of the heart with a 60-cycle
alternating current?
A) A normal arterial pressure
B) A decreased ventricular refractory period
C) Increased electrical conduction velocity
D) A shortened conduction pathway around the heart
E) Normal cardiac output
71. A 55-year-old man has been diagnosed with Stokes-Adams
syndrome. Two minutes after the syndrome starts to cause active
blockade of the cardiac impulse, which of the following is the
pacemaker of the heart?
A) Sinus node
B) A-V node
C) Purkinje fibers
D) Inter-atrial septum
E) Left atrium
72. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization. Which of the
following is correct about the T wave and repolarization?
A) Septum and endocardium are last to depolarize and first to
repolarize and results in negative T wave in V6
B) Repolarized areas will have a - charge first; therefore, a + net
vector occurs, and a flat T wave (points towards the apex)
develops
C) In healthy individuals, last area to repolarize is near the apex,
resulting in negative T waves in all chest leads
D) Ischemia can alter repolarization and induce T abnormalities
(e.g., flat T waves, taller, inverted)
E) Potassium levels are normally between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/l.
Values higher than this can result in flat T waves and shorter
PR interval.
73. A man had a myocardial infarction at age 55 years. He is now 63
years old. Use the standard limb lead I tracing on his ECG shown
above to answer this question. What is his current diagnosis?
A) Sinus tachycardia
B) First-degree heart block
C) Second-degree heart block
D) ST segment depression
E) Third-degree heart block
74. Which statement best describes a patient with premature atrial
contraction?
A) The pulse taken from the radial artery immediately after the
premature contraction will be weak
B) Stroke volume immediately after the premature contraction
will be increased
C) The P wave is never seen
D) The probability of these premature contractions occurring is
decreased in people with a large caffeine intake
E) It causes the QRS interval to be lengthened
75. If the origin of the stimulus that causes atrial paroxysmal
tachycardia is near the A-V node, which statement about the P
wave in standard limb lead I is most accurate?
A) The P wave will originate in the sinus node
B) The P wave will be upright
C) The P wave will be inverted
D) The P wave will be missing
76. A 45-year-old man had the above ECG recorded at his annual
physical. What is the likely diagnosis?
A) Atrial paroxysmal tachycardia
B) First-degree A-V block
C) Second-degree A-V block
D) Ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia
E) Atrial fluer
77. Which of the following is a feature of premature ventricular
contractions (PVCs)?
A) The QRS is of shorter duration
B) P is always present
C) T shows opposing polarity to QRS
D) They only appear in healthy individuals
E) The PVC impulse always travels backward into atria and
forward to the ventricles
78. Which of the following is a feature of a sinoatrial block?
A) Cessation of normal P wave
B) Prolonged but fixed P-R interval
C) An increasing P-R interval and then a dropped beat
D) A fixed long P-R interval and then a dropped beat
E) A full compensatory pause
79. A 67-year old man with a history of hypertension has an ECG that
shows no P waves, irregular heart rate (86–112 beats/min), ab
electrical axis of +20 and QRS of 0.12 second. What is the most
likely interpretation of the ECG and diagnosis?
A) First degree A-V block and right bundle branch block
B) Atrial paroxysmal tachycardia left ventricular ischemia
C) Atrial fluer and left ventricular hypertrophy
D) Atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block
E) Atrial fibrillation and left ventricular hypertrophy
Answers
1. B) Stroke volume (SV) of the heart is obtained by subtracting endsystolic volume (ESV, point D) from end-diastolic volume (EDV, point
B) for a given ventricle. SV=EDV-ESV
TMP14 pp. 119–120
2. C) Cardiac output can be calculated by multiplying SV times heart rate.
If stroke volume is 100 ml and heart rate is 82 beats/min, then 100 × 82 =
8200 ml/min.
TMP14 p. 125
3. D) Diastole includes the isovolumetric relaxation period (D to A) and
ventricular filling (A-AV valve opening- to B -AV valve closure-). Thus,
the diastole extends from point D to point B.
TMP14 p. 122
4. A) The isovolumetric contraction phase starts immediately after AV
valve closure and finishes when ejection phase starts. In this phase, there
is a build-up in intra-ventricular pressure without changes in volume
(both AV and aortic valves are closed). Thus, this period extends from
point B to point C.
TMP14 p. 122
5. D) The direct consequence of the action potential on cardiac muscle is
the contraction of the myofibrils, which is known as the
excitation/contraction coupling.
TMP14 p. 127
6. D) Ejection fraction (EF) is calculated as follows: stroke volume
(SV)/end-diastolic volume (EDV) multiplied by 100 and expressed in
percent. If the EF of this patients is 0.32, that means 32%. If the enddiastolic volume is 160, then 0.32 of that value will represent the stroke
volume (SV), and subtracting the SV from EDV will result in the endsystolic volume, which is exactly 108.8 ml (approximately 109 ml)
TMP14 p. 119
7. D) The typical ejection fraction is 60%, and lower values are indicative of
a weakened heart.
TMP14 p. 119
8. D) During phase 3 of the ventricular muscle action potential, the
potassium permeability of ventricular muscle greatly increases, which
causes a more negative membrane potential.
TMP14 p. 115
9. B) A R-R interval of 1.8 indicates that the heart beats every 1.8 seconds.
Using the formula of heart rate calculation (heart rate = 60 seconds/0.83,
which is the normal/average value of one beat every 0.83 seconds); the
heart rate of this person is 33 beats/min (60/1.8). A heart rate of 33
beats/min indicates bradycardia and is suggestive abnormal/blocked
conduction of the impulse.
TMP14 pp. 136, 157–159
10. E) The heart goes into spastic contraction after a large increase in the
calcium ion concentration surrounding the cardiac myofibrils, which
occurs if the extracellular fluid calcium ion concentration increases too
much. An excess potassium concentration in the extracellular fluids
causes the heart to become dilated because of the decrease in resting
membrane potential of the cardiac muscle fibers.
TMP14 p. 125
11. D) At the end of isovolumic relaxation, the mitral and tricuspid valves
open, which is followed by the period of diastolic filling.
p y p g
TMP14 pp.118, 121–122
12. E) The first heart sound by definition occurs just after the ventricular
pressure exceeds the atrial pressure, which causes the A-V valves to
mechanically close. The second heart sound occurs when the aortic and
pulmonary valves close.
TMP14 pp. 121–122
13. B) Having excess potassium ions in the blood and extracellular fluid
causes the heart to become dilated and flaccid and slows the heart. This
effect is important because of a decrease in the resting membrane
potential in the cardiac muscle fibers. As the membrane potential
decreases, the intensity of the action potential decreases, which makes
the contraction of the heart progressively weaker. Excess calcium ions in
the blood and sympathetic stimulation and increased norepinephrine
concentration of the blood all cause the heart to contract vigorously.
TMP14 p. 125
14. E) The normal plateau level of the cardiac output function curve is 13
L/min. This level decreases in any kind of cardiac failure and increases
markedly during sympathetic stimulation.
TMP14 p. 125
15. E) Immediately after the QRS wave, the ventricles begin to contract,
and the first phase that occurs is isovolumic contraction. Isovolumic
contraction occurs before the ejection phase and increases the
ventricular pressure enough to mechanically open the aortic and
pulmonary valves.
TMP14 p. 118
16. C) The atrial and ventricular muscles have a relatively rapid rate of
conduction of the cardiac action potential, and the anterior internodal
pathway also has fairly rapid conduction of the impulse. However, the
A-V bundle myofibrils have a slow rate of conduction because their
sizes are considerably smaller than the sizes of the normal atrial and
ventricular muscle. In addition, their slow conduction is partly caused
by diminished numbers of gap junctions between successive muscle
cells in the conducting pathway, causing a great resistance to
conduction of the excitatory ions from one cell to the next.
TMP14 p. 129
17. D) The impulse from the S-A node travels rapidly through the
internodal pathways and arrives at the A-V node at 0.03 second, at the
A-V bundle at 0.12 second, and at the ventricular septum at 0.16 second.
The total delay is thus 0.13 second.
TMP14 p. 129
18. D) Increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart increases heart rate,
atrial contractility, and ventricular contractility and increases
norepinephrine release at the ventricular sympathetic nerve endings. It
does not release acetylcholine. It does cause an increased sodium
permeability of the A-V node, which increases the rate of upward drift
of the membrane potential to the threshold level for self-excitation, thus
increasing the heart rate.
TMP14 pp. 123–125, 132
19. A) After the S-A node discharges, the action potential travels through
the atria, through the A-V bundle system, and finally to the ventricular
septum and throughout the ventricle. The last place that the impulse
arrives is at the epicardial surface at the base of the left ventricle, which
requires a transit time of 0.22 second.
TMP14 p. 130
20. D) The increase in potassium permeability causes a hyperpolarization
of the A-V node, which will decrease the heart rate. Increases in sodium
permeability actually partially depolarizes the A-V node, and an
increase in norepinephrine levels increases the heart rate.
TMP14 p. 132
21. D) During sympathetic stimulation, the permeabilities of the S-A node
and the A-V node increase. In addition, the permeability of cardiac
muscle to calcium increases, resulting in an increased contractile
strength. Furthermore, an upward drift of the resting membrane
potential of the S-A node occurs. Increased permeability of the S-A node
to potassium does not occur during sympathetic stimulation.
TMP14 p. 132
22. A) The normal resting membrane potential of the S-A node is −55
millivolts. As the sodium leaks into the membrane, an upward drift of
the membrane potential occurs until it reaches −40 millivolts. This is the
threshold level that initiates the action potential at the S-A node.
TMP14 pp. 127–129
23. D) Increases in sodium and calcium permeability at the S-A node result
in an increase in heart rate. An increased potassium permeability causes
a hyperpolarization of the S-A node, which causes the heart rate to
decrease.
TMP14 p. 132
24. A) Sodium permeability is highest during phase 0. Calcium
permeability is highest during phase 2, and potassium is most
permeable in phase 3.
TMP14 p. 114–116
25. D) The action potential arrives at the A-V bundle at 0.12 second. It
arrives at the A-V node at 0.03 second and is delayed 0.09 second in the
A-V node, which results in an arrival time at the bundle of His of 0.12
second.
TMP14 p. 130
26. A) If the Purkinje fibers are the pacemaker of the heart, the heart rate
ranges between 15 and 40 beats/min. In contrast, the rate of firing of the
A-V nodal fibers are 40 to 60 times a minute, and the sinus node fires at
70 to 80 times/min. If the sinus node is blocked for some reason, the A-V
node will take over as the pacemaker, and if the A-V node is blocked,
the Purkinje fibers will take over as the pacemaker of the heart.
TMP14 p. 131
27. B) The inherent and constant leakiness to Na+
(and movement of Ca2+)
are responsible for the automatic discharge (self-excitation) of the sinus
node because it makes resting potential to gradually rise to the point
(about −40 mV) of triggering the action potential.
TMP14 p. 128
28. D) If sinus node discharge does not get through, the next fastest area of
discharge becomes the pacemaker of the heart beat but at a lower
discharge rate because of a gradually more negative resting potential.
The new pacemaker may be the AV node or penetrating part of AV
bundle, and if these regions fail, Purkinje fibers will take the lead as the
pacemaker of the heart.
TMP14 p. 131
29. B) The normal rhythm of the A-V node is 40 to 60 beats/min. Purkinje
fibers have a rhythm of 15 to 40 beats/min.
TMP14 p. 131
30. C) The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the T
wave represents ventricular repolarization. The Q-T interval is the time
that the ventricle takes to depolarize-repolarize and represents the ven
tricular contraction, as observed in the Wiggers’ diagram.
TMP14 pp. 135–137
31. A) By convention, the left arm is the positive electrode for lead aVL of
an ECG.
TMP14 p. 139
32. B) By convention, the left leg is the positive electrode for lead II of an
ECG.
TMP14 p. 139
33. E) Sympathetic stimulation of the heart normally causes an increased
heart rate, increased rate of conduction of the cardiac impulse, and
increased force of contraction in the atria and ventricles. However, it
does not cause acetylcholine release at the sympathetic endings because
they contain norepinephrine. Parasympathetic stimulation causes
acetylcholine release. The sympathetic nervous system firing increases
in the permeability of the cardiac muscle fibers, the S-A node, and the AV node to sodium and calcium.
TMP14 p. 132
34. A) The heart rate can be calculated by 60 divided by the R-R interval,
which is 0.86 second. This results in a heart rate of 70 beats/min.
TMP14 p. 137
35. B) Einthoven’s law states that the voltage in lead I plus the voltage in
lead III is equal to the voltage in lead II. In this case, the voltage in lead
II is 0.9 millivolt, and the voltage in lead III is 0.4 millivolt. The lead I
voltage is thus 0.5 (0.9 − 0.4 millivolt = 0.5 millivolt).
TMP14 pp. 138–139
36. E) The contraction of the ventricles lasts almost from the beginning of
the Q wave and continues to the end of the T wave. This interval is
called the Q-T interval and ordinarily lasts about 0.35 second.
TMP14 p. 137
37. A) By convention, the right arm is the negative electrode for lead II of
an ECG.
TMP14 p. 139
38. B) The augmented unipolar leads are obtained by connecting two
terminals to negative and one to positive. In case of aVF, the positive
terminal is connected to the left leg and the negative ones to the right
and left arms.
TMP14 pp. 140–141
39. D) Einthoven’s law states that the voltage in lead I plus the voltage in
lead III is equal to the voltage in lead II, which in this case is 2.0
millivolts.
TMP14 pp. 138–139
40. A) Chest leads (precordial leads, V1 to V6) are very sensitive to
electrical potential changes underneath the electrode and show the
electrical activity of the heart from base to apex. ST (or J point) elevation
or depression in precordial leads allows to identify the anterior or
posterior origin of the current of injury. ST (or J point) elevation in
bipolar and/or augmented unipolar leads help to refine the area of
ischemia (e.g., lateral, inferior).
TMP14 pp. 138–141
41. B) The mean electrical axis can be determined by ploing the resultant
voltage of the QRS for leads I, II, and III. The result is shown below and
has a value of −50 degrees.
TMP14 pp. 143–146
42. B) The heart rate can be calculated by 60 divided by the R-R interval,
which is 0.68 second. This calculation results in a heart rate of 88
beats/min.
TMP14 p. 137
43. B) In the figure, the QRS width is greater than 0.12 second, which
indicates a bundle branch block. Right bundle branch block is not a
listed answer. The correct answer is therefore left bundle branch block.
TMP14 pp. 149–150
44. C) Aortic stenosis induces left ventricular hypertrophy. Consequently,
patients often show a significant left axis deviation in their ECGs. A
third-degree A-V block will most likely not lead to any axis deviation.
The other answers associate with right axis deviation.
TMP14 pp. 148–150
45. D) Lead II has a positive vector at the 60-degree angle. The negative
end of lead II is at −120 degrees.
TMP14 pp. 143–146
46. D) Heart rate is calculated by 60/R-R interval and is 103 beats/min.
TMP14 p. 137
47. C) A high-voltage ECG (sum of voltages of leads I to III greater than 4
mV) is frequently observed in trained athletes driven by exerciseinduced cardiac hypertrophy. Infarcts and pericardial or pleural
effusion may result in lower voltage.
TMP14 pp. 150–151
48. B) The patient has a mean electrical axis of 60 degrees because of the
large deflection in lead II and zero in lead aVL. The axis of aVL is −30
degrees, which is perpendicular to lead II, and this indicates that the
axis must be 60 degrees.
TMP14 pp. 143–146
49. A) This patient has an acute anterior infarction in the left ventricle of
the heart. This diagnosis can be determined by ploing the currents of
injury from the different leads (see figure on the next page). The limb
leads are used to determine whether the infarction is coming from the
left or right side of the ventricle and from the base or inferior part of the
ventricle. The chest leads are used to determine whether it is an anterior
or posterior infarct. When we analyze the currents of injury, a negative
potential, caused by the current of injury, occurs in lead I and a positive
potential, caused by the current of injury, occurs in lead III. This is
determined by subtracting the J point from the TP segment. The
y g p g
negative end of the resultant vector originates in the ischemic area,
which is therefore the left side of the heart. In lead V2
, the chest lead, the
electrode is in a field of very negative potential, which occurs in patients
with an anterior lesion.
TMP14 pp. 154–155
50. D) The QRS wave ploed on lead I was −1.2 millivolts, and lead II was
+1.2 millivolts, so the absolute value of the deflections was the same.
Therefore, the mean electrical axis must be exactly halfway in between
these two leads, which is halfway between the lead II axis of 60 degrees
and the lead I negative axis of 180 degrees, which provides a value of
120 degrees.
TMP14 pp. 143–146
51. E) During the T-P interval in a patient with a damaged ventricle, the
only area depolarized is the damaged muscle. Therefore, the remainder
of the ventricle is repolarized. At the J point, the entire ventricle is
depolarized in a patient with a damaged cardiac muscle or in a patient
with a normal cardiac muscle. The area of the heart that is damaged will
not repolarize but remains depolarized at all times.
TMP14 pp. 152–154
52. A) Note in the figure in the next column that the QRS complex has a
positive deflection in lead I and a negative in lead III, which indicates
that there is a leftward axis deviation, which occurs during chronic
systemic hypertension. Pulmonary hypertension increases the
ventricular mass on the right side of the heart, which gives a right axis
deviation.
TMP14 p. 149
53. A) Because the deflection in this ECG is 0 in lead I, the axis has to be 90
degrees away from this lead. Therefore, the mean electrical axis must be
+90 degrees or −90 degrees. Because the aVF lead has a positive
deflection, the mean electrical axis must be at +90 degrees.
TMP14 pp. 143–146
54. B) The ECG from this patient has a positive deflection in aVF and a
negative deflection in standard limb lead I. Therefore, the mean
electrical axis is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, which is a
rightward shift in the ECG mean electrical axis. Systemic hypertension,
aortic valve stenosis, and aortic valve regurgitation cause hypertrophy
of the left ventricle and thus a leftward shift in the mean electrical axis.
Pulmonary hypertension causes a rightward shift in the axis and is
therefore characterized by this ECG.
TMP14 pp. 149–150
55. D) A QRS axis of 120 degrees indicates a rightward shift. Because the
QRS complex is 0.18 second, this indicates a conduction block.
Therefore, the diagnosis that fits with these characteristics is a right
bundle branch block.
TMP14 pp. 149–150
56. D) In the figure on the next page, the current of injury is ploed at the
boom of the graph. This is not a plot of the QRS voltages but the
current of injury voltages. They are ploed for leads II and III, which are
both negative, and the resultant vector is nearly vertical. The negative
end of the vector points to where the current of injury originated, which
is in the apex of the ventricle. The elevation of the TP segment above the
J point indicates a posterior lesion. Therefore, the ECG is consistent with
acute posterior infarction in the apex of the ventricle.
TMP14 pp. 152–155
57. E) This patient has a difference in the atrial rate of 100 and in the
ventricular rate of 25. The 25 rate in the ventricles is indicative of a
rhythm starting in the Purkinje fibers. A-V block is occurring, but it
comes and goes, which is only fulfilled by Stokes-Adams syndrome.
TMP14 pp. 158–160
58. C) A person with atrial fibrillation has a rapid, irregular heart rate. The
P waves are missing or are very weak. The atria exhibit circus
movements, and atrial volume is often increased, causing the atrial
fibrillation.
TMP14 pp. 166–167
59. A) Circus movements occur in ventricular muscle, particularly in
persons with a dilated heart or decreases in conduction velocity. High
extracellular potassium and sympathetic stimulation, not
parasympathetic stimulation, increase the tendency for circus
movements. A longer refractory period tends to prevent circus
movements of the heart because when the impulses travel around the
heart and contact the area of ventricular muscle that has a longer
refractory period, the action potential stops at this point.
TMP14 pp. 163–165
60. D) When a patient has no P waves and a low heart rate, it is likely that
the impulse leaving the sinus node is totally blocked before entering the
atrial muscle, which is called sinoatrial block. The ventricles pick up the
new rhythm, usually initiated in the A-V node at this point, which
results in a heart rate of 40 to 60/min. In contrast, during sinus
bradycardia, P waves are still associated with each QRS complex. In
first-, second-, and third-degree heart block, P waves are present in each
of these instances, although some are not associated with QRS complex.
TMP14 p. 158
61. B) By definition, first-degree A-V heart block occurs when the P-R
interval exceeds a value of 0.20 second but without any dropped QRS
waves. This ECG shows first-degree block. In this figure, the P-R interval
is about 0.30 second, which is considerably prolonged. However, there
are no dropped QRS waves. During second-degree A-V block, QRS
waves are dropped.
TMP14 pp. 158–159
62. E) In the figure below, note that the premature ventricular contractions
(PVCs) have a wide and tall QRS wave in the ECG. The mean electrical
axis of the premature contraction can be determined by ploing these
large QRS complexes on the standard limb leads. The PVC originates at
the negative end of the resultant mean electrical axis, which is at the
base of the ventricle. Notice that the QRS of the PVC is wider and much
taller than the normal QRS waves in this ECG.
TMP14 p. 161
63. B) This patient has atrial fluer, which is characterized by several P
waves for each QRS complex. This ECG has two P waves for every QRS.
Notice the rapid heart rate, which is characteristic of atrial fluer.
TMP14 p. 167
64. E) The average ventricular rate is 150 beats/min in this ECG, which is
typical of atrial fluer. Again notice that the heart rate is irregular
because of the inability of the impulses to quickly pass through the A-V
node because of its refractory period.
TMP14 p. 167
65. C) A decreased velocity of conduction is a major trigger for reentry/circus movements and generation of ventricular fibrillation. The
circus movements are multiple and generate in the ventricle, not from
the atria, and travel to the ventricles. A shorter refractory period
facilitates circus movements. Ventricular fibrillation is a medical
emergency, always requires intervention, and does not reverse
spontaneously.
TMP14 pp. 163–165
66. D) An inverted P wave occurs in patients with a premature contraction
originating in the A-V junction. If the P wave occurs after the QRS
complex, the junctional contraction started low in the A-V junction.
Junctional contractions originating high in the A-V junction will have a
P wave that occurs before the QRS, and likewise one originating in the
middle of junction occurs during the QRS.
TMP14 pp. 160–161
67. E) The term “paroxysmal” means that the heart rate becomes rapid in
paroxysms, with the paroxysm beginning suddenly and lasting for a
few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours, or much longer. Then the
paroxysm usually ends as suddenly as it began, and the pacemaker
shifts back to the S-A node. The mechanism by which this phenomenon
is believed to occur is by a re-entrant circus movement feedback
pathway that sets up an area of local repeated self–re-excitation. The
ECG shown is ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. That the origin is in
the ventricles can be determined because of the changes in the QRS
complex, which have high voltages and look much different than the
preceding normal QRS complexes. This is very characteristic of a
ventricular irritable locus.
TMP14 pp. 162–163
68. C) Notice in this ECG that a P wave precedes each of the first four QRS
complexes. After that we see a P wave but a dropped QRS wave, which
is characteristic of second-degree A-V block.
TMP14 pp. 158–159
69. A) A person with atrial fibrillation has a rapid, irregular heart rate. The
P waves are missing or are very weak. The atria exhibit circus
movements and often are very enlarged, causing the atrial fibrillation.
TMP14 pp. 166–167
70. B) Ventricular fibrillation often occurs in a heart exposed to a 60-cycle
alternating current. An increased conduction velocity through the heart
muscle or a shortened conduction pathway around the heart decreases
the probability of re-entrant pathways. A shortened ventricular
refractory period increases the possibility of fibrillation. Thus, when the
electrical stimulus travels around the heart and reaches the ventricular
muscle that was again initially stimulated, the risk of ventricular
fibrillation increases because the muscle will be out of the refractory
period.
TMP14 pp. 164–165
71. C) During a Stokes-Adams syndrome aack, total A-V block suddenly
begins, and the duration of the block may be a few seconds or even
several weeks. The new pacemaker of the heart is distal to the point of
blockade, usually in some part of the Purkinje fibers or the A-V bundle.
TMP14 pp. 159–160
72. D) One of the early ECG signs of cardiac ischemia is the development
of repolarization abnormalities, reflected by changes in the T wave.
These changes may occur without changes in J point-ST segments.
Septum and endocardium depolarize first and repolarize last.
Repolarized areas will have + charge and describe a + vector toward the
apex. The first area to repolarize is toward the apex. High potassium
may result in peaked T waves and a prolonged PR.
TMP14 p. 156
73. A) The relationship between the P waves and the QRS complexes
appears to be normal, and there are no missing beats. Therefore, this
patient has a sinus rhythm, and there is no heart block. There is also no
ST-segment depression in this patient. Because we have normal P and
QRS and T waves, this condition is sinus tachycardia.
TMP14 p. 157
74. A) The heartbeat immediately following a premature atrial contraction
weakens because the diastolic period is very short in this condition.
Therefore, the ventricular filling time is very short, and thus the stroke
volume decreases. The P wave is usually visible in this arrhythmia
unless it coincides with the QRS complex. The probability of these
premature contractions increases in people with toxic irritation of the
heart and local ischemic areas.
TMP14 p. 160
75. C) During atrial paroxysmal tachycardia, the impulse is initiated by an
ectopic focus somewhere in the atria. If the point of initiation is near the
A-V node, the P wave travels backward toward the S-A node and then
forward into the ventricles at the same time. Therefore, the P wave will
be inverted.
TMP14 pp. 160–161
76. A) This ECG has characteristics of atrial paroxysmal tachycardia, which
means that the tachycardia may come and go at random times. The basic
shape of the QRS complex and its magnitude are virtually unchanged
from the normal QRS complexes, which eliminates the possibility of
ventricular paroxysmal tachycardia. This ECG is not characteristic of
atrial fluer because there is only one P wave for each QRS complex.
TMP14 162–163
77. C) In PVCs, QRS is prolonged because impulse is conducted through
muscle, which has slow conduction, and QRS voltage is high because
one side depolarizes ahead of the other. Consequently, the T wave is
inverted because slow conduction causes the area to first depolarize to
also repolarize first (opposite of normal). P waves are absent, PVCs can
develop in individuals with healthy heart but also in pathological
conditions, and the impulse does not travel backwards to the atria and
then forward.
TMP14 p. 161
78. A) In rare instances, impulses from the S-A node are blocked. This
causes cessation of P waves and a new pacemaker assuming the
generation and conduction of the impulse. Usually, the next region of
heart with the fastest discharge rate is the A-V node. B to C are features
of A-V blocks. A full compensatory pause is a feature of PVCs.
TMP14 p. 158
79. E) The absence of P wave and fully irregular heart rate suggest atrial
fibrillation and not fluer (sawtooth paern, heart rate is not fully
irregular), atrial tachycardia (P waves are present, may show altered
shape, heart rate is regular), or first-degree A-V block (P waves are
present, prolonged PR). The left axis deviation and QRS within normal
limits (upper limit) suggest left ventricular hypertrophy, in the context
of a “history of hypertension.” There is no left or right bundle branch
block because the QRS is normal in duration.
TMP14 pp. 166–167
Unit IV: The Circulation
1. Listed below are the hydrostatic and oncotic pressures within a
microcirculatory bed.
Plasma colloid osmotic pressure = 25 mm Hg
Capillary hydrostatic pressure = 25 mm Hg
Venous hydrostatic pressure = 5 mm Hg
Arterial pressure = 80 mm Hg
Interstitial fluid hydrostatic pressure = −5 mm Hg
Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure = 10 mm Hg
Capillary filtration rate = 150 ml/min
What is the capillary filtration coefficient (in ml/min/mm Hg) for this
capillary wall?
A) 5
B) 10
C) 15
D) 20
E) 25
2. A healthy 60-year-old woman with a 10-year history of
hypertension stands up from a supine position. Which set of
cardiovascular changes is most likely to occur in response to
standing up from a supine position?
Sympathetic Nerve Activity Cardiac Contractility Heart Rate
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
3. In an experimental study, administration of a drug decreases the
diameter of arterioles in the muscle bed of an animal subject.
Which set of physiological changes would be expected to occur in
response to the decrease in diameter?
Vascular Conductance Capillary Filtration Blood Flow
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
4. A 60-year-old woman has experienced dizziness for the past 6
months when geing out of bed in the morning and when standing
up. Her mean arterial pressure is 130/90 mm Hg while lying down
and 95/60 while siing. Which set of physiological changes would
be expected in response to moving from a supine to an upright
position?
Parasympathetic Nerve Activity Plasma Renin Activity Sympathetic Activity
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
5. A 35-year-old woman visits her family practitioner for an
examination. She has a blood pressure of 160/75 mm Hg and a
heart rate of 74 beats/min. Further tests by a cardiologist reveal that
the patient has moderate aortic regurgitation. Which set of changes
would be expected in this patient?
Pulse Pressure Systolic Pressure Stroke Volume
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
6. A healthy 27-year-old female medical student runs a 5K race.
Which set of physiological changes is most likely to occur in this
woman’s skeletal muscles during the race?
Arteriole Resistance Tissue pH Tissue Carbon Dioxide Concentration
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
7. Cognitive stimuli such as reading, problem solving, and talking all
result in significant increases in cerebral blood flow. Which set of
changes in cerebral tissue concentrations is the most likely
explanation for the increase in cerebral blood flow?
Carbon Dioxide pH Adenosine
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
8. Histamine is infused into the brachial artery. Which set of
microcirculatory changes would be expected in the infused arm?
Capillary Water Permeability Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure Interstitial Hydrostatic Pressure
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
9. An increase in shear stress in a blood vessel results in which
change?
A) Decreased endothelin production
B) Decreased cyclic guanosine monophosphate production
C) Increased nitric oxide release
D) Increased renin production
E) Decreased prostacyclin production
10. A 65-year-old man with a 10-year history of essential hypertension
is being treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor. Which set of changes would be expected to occur in
response to the ACE inhibitor drug therapy?
Plasma Renin Concentration Total Peripheral Resistance Blood Pressure
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
11. The diameter of a precapillary arteriole is decreased in a muscle
vascular bed. An increase in which of the following would be
expected?
A) Capillary filtration rate
B) Vascular conductance
C) Capillary blood flow
D) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
E) Arteriolar resistance
12. A 55-year-old man with a history of normal health visits his
physician for a checkup. The physical examination reveals that his
blood pressure is 170/98 mm Hg. Further tests indicate that he has
renovascular hypertension as a result of stenosis in the left kidney.
Which set of findings would be expected in this man with
renovascular hypertension?
Total Peripheral Resistance Plasma Renin Activity Plasma Aldosterone Concentration
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
13. Under control conditions, flow through a blood vessel is 100
ml/min with a pressure gradient of 50 mm Hg. What would be the
approximate flow through the vessel after increasing the vessel
diameter by 100%, assuming that the pressure gradient is
maintained at 50 mm Hg?
A) 200 ml/min
B) 400 ml/min
C) 800 ml/min
D) 1600 ml/min
E) 700 ml/min
14. A 24-year-old woman delivers a 6-lb, 8-oz baby girl. The newborn
is diagnosed as having patent ductus arteriosus. Which set of
changes would be expected in this baby?
Pulse Pressure Stroke Volume Systolic Pressure
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
15. A 72-year-old man had surgery to remove an abdominal tumor.
Pathohistological studies revealed that the tumor mass contained a
large number of vessels. The most likely stimulus for the growth of
vessels in a solid tumor is a decrease in which of the following?
A) Growth hormone
B) Plasma glucose concentration
C) Angiostatin growth factor
D) Vascular endothelial growth factor
E) Tissue oxygen concentration
16. Which set of changes would be expected to cause the greatest
increase in the net movement of sodium across a muscle capillary
wall?
Wall Permeability to Sodium Wall Surface Area Concentration Difference Across Wall
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
17. While participating in a cardiovascular physiology laboratory, a
medical student isolates an animal’s carotid artery proximal to the
carotid bifurcation and partially constricts the artery with a tie
around the vessel. Which set of changes would be expected to
occur in response to constriction of the carotid artery?
Heart Rate Parasympathetic Nerve Activity Total Peripheral Resistance
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
18. A 35-year-old woman visits her family practice physician for an
examination. She has a mean arterial blood pressure of 105 mm Hg
and a heart rate of 74 beats/min. Further tests by a cardiologist
reveal that the patient has moderate aortic valve stenosis. Which
set of changes would be expected in this patient?
Pulse Pressure Stroke Volume Systolic Pressure
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
19. A 60-year-old man visits his family practitioner for an annual
examination. He has a mean blood pressure of 130 mm Hg and a
heart rate of 78 beats/min. His plasma cholesterol level is in the
upper 25th percentile, and he is diagnosed as having
atherosclerosis. Which set of changes would be expected in this
patient?
Pulse Pressure Arterial Compliance Systolic Pressure
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
20. While participating in a cardiovascular physiology laboratory, a
medical student isolates the carotid artery of an animal and
partially constricts the artery with a tie around the vessel. Which
set of changes would be expected to occur in response to
constriction of the carotid artery?
Sympathetic Nerve Activity Renal Blood Flow Total Peripheral Resistance
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
21. Which one of the following would tend to increase capillary
filtration rate?
A) Decreased capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure
C) Decreased interstitial colloid osmotic pressure
D) Decreased capillary water permeability
E) Increased arteriolar resistance
22. A 72-year-old man had surgery to remove an abdominal tumor.
Findings of pathohistological studies reveal that the tumor mass
contains a large number of blood vessels. The most likely stimulus
for the growth of vessels in a solid tumor is an increase in which of
the following?
A) Growth hormone
B) Plasma glucose concentration
C) Angiostatin growth factor
D) Tissue oxygen concentration
E) Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
23. The diameter of a precapillary arteriole is decreased in a muscle
vascular bed. Which change in the microcirculation would be
expected?
A) Decreased capillary filtration rate
B) Increased interstitial volume
C) Increased lymph flow
D) Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure
E) Decreased arteriolar resistance
24. A 50-year-old man has a 3-year history of hypertension. He
reports fatigue and occasional muscle cramps. There is no family
history of hypertension. The patient has not had any other
significant medical problems in the past. Examination reveals a
blood pressure of 168/104 mm Hg. Additional laboratory tests
indicate that the patient has primary hyperaldosteronism. Which
set of findings would be expected in this man with primary
hyperaldosteronism hypertension?
Extracellular Fluid Volume Plasma Renin Activity Plasma Potassium Concentration
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
25. A decrease in which of the following would tend to increase
lymph flow?
A) Hydraulic conductivity of the capillary wall
B) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
C) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
D) Vascular conductance
E) B and D
26. In control conditions, flow through a blood vessel is 100 ml/min
under a pressure gradient of 50 mm Hg. What would be the
approximate flow through the vessel after increasing the vessel
diameter to four times normal, assuming that the pressure gradient
was maintained at 50 mm Hg?
A) 300 ml/min
B) 1600 ml/min
C) 1000 ml/min
D) 16,000 ml/min
E) 25,600 ml/min
27. A 50-year-old woman has a renal plasma flow of 600 ml/min and
hematocrit of 50. Her arterial pressure is 125 mm Hg and renal
venous pressure is 5 mm Hg. What is the total renal vascular
resistance (in mm Hg/ml/min) in this woman?
A) 0.05
B) 0.10
C) 0.50
D) 1.00
E) 1.50
28. An increase in which of the following would be expected to
decrease blood flow in a vessel?
A) Pressure gradient across the vessel
B) Radius of the vessel
C) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
D) Viscosity of the blood
E) Plasma sodium concentration
29. Assuming that vessels A to D are the same length, which one has
the greatest flow?
Pressure Gradient Radius Viscosity
A) 100 1 10
B) 50 2 5
C) 25 4 2
D) 10 6 1
30. A 22-year-old man enters the hospital emergency department after
severing a major artery in a motorcycle accident. It is estimated
that he has lost approximately 700 ml of blood. His blood pressure
is 90/55 mm Hg. Which set of changes would be expected in
response to hemorrhage in this man?
Heart Rate Parasympathetic Nerve Activity Plasma Renin Activity
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
31. A healthy 28-year-old woman stands up from a supine position.
Moving from a supine to a standing position results in a transient
decrease in arterial pressure that is detected by arterial
baroreceptors located in the aortic arch and carotid sinuses. Which
set of cardiovascular changes is most likely to occur in response to
activation of the baroreceptors?
Mean Circulatory Filling Pressure Strength of Cardiac Contraction Sympathetic Nerve Activity
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
32. An ACE inhibitor is administered to a 65-year-old man with a 20-
year history of hypertension. The drug lowered his arterial
pressure and increased his plasma levels of renin. Which
mechanism would best explain the decrease in arterial pressure?
A) Inhibition of angiotensin I
B) Decreased conversion of angiotensinogen toangiotensin I
C) Decreased plasma levels of bradykinin
D) Decreased plasma levels of prostacyclin
E) Decreased formation of angiotensin II
33. A 25-year-old man enters the hospital emergency department after
severing a major artery during a farm accident. It is estimated that
the patient has lost approximately 800 ml of blood. His mean blood
pressure is 65 mm Hg, and his heart rate is elevated as a result of
activation of the chemoreceptor reflex. Which set of changes in
plasma concentration would be expected to cause the greatest
activation of the chemoreceptor reflex?
Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Hydrogen
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
34. Under normal physiological conditions, blood flow to the skeletal
muscles is determined mainly by which of the following?
A) Sympathetic nerves
B) Angiotensin II
C) Vasopressin
D) Local metabolic factors
E) Capillary osmotic pressure
35. A healthy 22-year-old female medical student has an exercise
stress test at a local health club. An increase in which of the
following is most likely to occur in this woman’s skeletal muscles
during exercise?
A) Vascular conductance
B) Blood flow
C) Carbon dioxide concentration
D) Arteriolar diameter
E) All the above
36. Which of the following segments of the circulatory system has the
lowest velocity of blood flow?
A) Aorta
B) Arteries
C) Capillaries
D) Veins
37. Listed below are the hydrostatic and oncotic pressures within a
microcirculatory bed.
Plasma colloid osmotic pressure = 25 mm Hg
Capillary hydrostatic pressure = 25 mm Hg
Venous hydrostatic pressure = 5 mm Hg
Arterial pressure = 80 mm Hg
Interstitial hydrostatic pressure = −5 mm Hg
Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure = 5 mm Hg
Filtration coefficient = 15 ml/min/mm Hg
What is the filtration rate (ml/min) of the capillary wall?
A) 100
B) 150
C) 200
D) 250
E) 300
38. Which blood vessel has the highest vascular resistance?
Blood Flow (ml/min) Pressure Gradient (mm Hg)
A) 1000 100
B) 1200 60
C) 1400 20
D) 1600 80
E) 1800 40
39. A 2-fold increase in which of the following would result in the
greatest increase in the transport of oxygen across the capillary
wall?
A) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Intercellular clefts in the capillary wall
C) Oxygen concentration gradient
D) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
E) Capillary wall hydraulic permeability
40. A balloon catheter is advanced from the superior vena cava into
the heart and inflated to increase atrial pressure by 5 mm Hg.
Which of the following would be expected to occur in response to
the elevated atrial pressure?
A) Decreased atrial natriuretic peptide
B) Increased angiotensin II
C) Increased aldosterone
D) Decreased renal sympathetic nerve activity
41. Which of the following vessels has the greatest total crosssectional area in the circulatory system?
A) Aorta
B) Small arteries
C) Capillaries
D) Venules
E) Vena cava
42. An increase in atrial pressure results in which of the following?
A) Increased plasma atrial natriuretic peptide
B) Increase in plasma angiotensin II concentration
C) Decrease in plasma aldosterone concentration
D) Decrease in sodium excretion
E) A and C
43. Autoregulation of tissue blood flow in response to an increase in
arterial pressure occurs as a result of which of the following?
A) Decrease in vascular resistance
B) Initial decrease in vascular wall tension
C) Excess delivery of nutrients such as oxygen to the tissues
D) Decrease in tissue metabolism
44. Which component of the circulatory system contains the largest
percentage of the total blood volume?
A) Arteries
B) Capillaries
C) Veins
D) Pulmonary circulation
E) Heart
45. Which set of changes would be expected to occur 2 weeks after a
50% reduction in renal artery pressure?
Plasma Renin Plasma Aldosterone Concentration Glomerular Filtration Rate
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
46. An increase in which of the following tends to decrease capillary
filtration rate?
A) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
C) Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure
D) Venous hydrostatic pressure
E) Arteriolar diameter
47. A decrease in which of the following would be expected to occur
in a person 2 weeks after an increase in sodium intake?
A) Angiotensin II
B) Sodium Excretion
C) Aldosterone
D) Atrial natriuretic peptide
E) A and C
48. Which of the following would tend to increase lymph flow?
A) Increase capillary hydrostatic pressure
B) Increased plasma colloid osmotic pressure
C) Increased interstitial volume
D) Decreased arteriolar diameter
E) A and C
49. An increase in the production of which of the following would
most likely result in chronic hypertension?
A) Aldosterone
B) Prostacyclin
C) Angiotensin II
D) Nitric oxide
E) A and C
50. Which of the following capillaries has the highest capillary
permeability to plasma albumin?
A) Glomerular
B) Liver
C) Muscle
D) Intestinal
E) Brain
51. Which of the following would be expected to occur during a
Cushing reaction caused by brain ischemia?
A) Increase in parasympathetic activity
B) Decrease in arterial pressure
C) Decrease in heart rate
D) Increase in sympathetic activity
52. Which of the following tends to increase the net movement of
glucose across a capillary wall?
A) Increase in plasma sodium concentration
B) Increase in the concentration difference of glucose across the
wall
C) Decrease in wall permeability to glucose
D) Decrease in wall surface area without an increase in the
number of pores
E) Decrease in plasma potassium concentration
53. A 65-year-old man has congestive heart failure. He has a cardiac
output of 4 l/min, arterial pressure of 115/85 mm Hg, and heart rate
of 90 beats/min. Further tests by a cardiologist reveal that the
patient has a right atrial pressure of 10 mm Hg. An increase in
which of the following would be expected in this patient?
A) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
B) Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure
C) Arterial pressure
D) Cardiac output
E) Vena cava hydrostatic pressure
54. Which set of changes would be expected to occur in response to a
direct increase in renal arterial pressure in kidneys without an
intact tubuloglomerular feedback system?
Glomerular Filtration Sodium Excretion Water Excretion Rate
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
55. Which part of the circulation has the highest compliance?
A) Capillaries
B) Large arteries
C) Veins
D) Aorta
E) Small arteries
56. An increase in which of the following tends to increase pulse
pressure?
A) Systolic pressure
B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
C) Arterial compliance
D) Stroke volume
E) A and D
57. Which set of physiological changes would be expected to occur in
a person who stands up from a supine position?
Venous Hydrostatic Pressure in Legs Heart Rate Renal Blood Flow
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↓ ↓ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↑
F) ↓ ↑ ↑
58. Which one of the following compensatory physiological changes
would be expected to occur in a person who stands up from a
supine position?
A) Increased parasympathetic nerve activity
B) Increased sympathetic nerve activity
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Decreased heart contractiltiy
59. Blood flow to a tissue remains relatively constant despite a
reduction in arterial pressure (autoregulation). Which of the
following would be expected to occur in response to the increases
in arterial pressure?
A) Increased conductance
B) Increased tissue oxygen concentration
C) Decreased vascular resistance
D) Increased arteriolar diameter
60. Which of the following would have the slowest rate of net
movement across the capillary wall?
A) Sodium
B) Albumin
C) Glucose
D) Oxygen
61. An increase in which of the following tends to increase capillary
filtration rate?
A) Capillary wall hydraulic conductivity
B) Arteriolar resistance
C) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
D) Interstitial hydrostatic pressure
E) Plasma sodium concentration
62. The tendency for turbulent flow is greatest in which of the
following?
A) Arterioles
B) Capillaries
C) Small arterioles
D) Aorta
63. A 60-year-old man has a mean arterial blood pressure of 130 mm
Hg, a heart rate of 78 beats/min, a right atrial pressure of 0 mm Hg,
and a cardiac output of 3.5 L/min. He also has a pulse pressure of
35 mm Hg and a hematocrit of 40. What is the approximate total
peripheral vascular resistance in this man?
A) 17 mm Hg/l/min
B) 1.3 mm Hg/l/min
g
C) 13 mm Hg/l/min
D) 27 mm Hg/l/min
E) 37 mm Hg/l/min
64. Which pressure is normally negative in a muscle capillary bed in
the lower extremities?
A) Plasma colloid osmotic pressure
B) Capillary hydrostatic pressure
C) Interstitial hydrostatic pressure
D) Interstitial colloid osmotic pressure
E) Venous hydrostatic pressure
65. What would tend to increase a person’s pulse pressure?
A) Decreased stroke volume
B) Increased arterial compliance
C) Hemorrhage
D) Patent ductus
E) Decreased venous return
66. Movement of solutes such as Na+
across the capillary walls occurs
primarily by which process?
A) Filtration
B) Active transport
C) Vesicular transport
D) Diffusion
67. What would increase venous hydrostatic pressure in the legs?
A) Decrease in right atrial pressure
B) Pregnancy
C) Decreased movement of leg muscles
D) Abdominal compression of vena cava by a solid tumor in the
abdomen
E) B and D
68. A nitric oxide donor is infused into the brachial artery of a 22-
year-old man. Which set of microcirculatory changes would be
expected in the infused arm?
Capillary Hydrostatic Pressure Interstitial Hydrostatic Pressure Lymph Flow
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↑ ↓
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↓ ↑
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↓ ↑
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↑ ↓
69. What often occurs in decompensated heart failure?
A) Increased renal loss of sodium and water
B) Decreased mean systemic filling pressure
C) Increased norepinephrine in cardiac sympathetic nerves
D) Orthopnea
E) Weight loss
70. Which condition often occurs in progressive hemorrhagic shock?
A) Vasomotor center failure
B) Increased urine output
C) Tissue alkalosis
D) Decreased capillary permeability
E) Increased mean systemic filling pressure
71. A 50-year-old woman received an overdose of furosemide, and
her arterial pressure decreased to 70/40. Her heart rate is 120, and
her respiratory rate is 30/min. What therapy would you
recommend?
A) Whole blood infusion
B) Plasma infusion
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of a glucocorticoid
72. A 30-year-old woman comes to a local emergency department
with severe vomiting. She has pale skin, tachycardia, an arterial
pressure of 70/45, and trouble walking. What therapy do you
recommend to prevent shock?
A) Infusion of packed red blood cells
B) Administration of an antihistamine
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of a glucocorticoid
Modified from Guyton AC, Jones CE, Coleman TB: Circulatory Physiology:
Cardiac Output and Its Regulation, 2nd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders,
1973.
73. In the above figure, for the cardiac output and venous return
curves defined by the solid red lines (with the equilibrium at A),
which of the following options is true?
A) Mean systemic filling pressure is 12 mm Hg
B) Right atrial pressure is 2 mm Hg
C) Resistance to venous return is 1.4 mm Hg/l/min
D) Pulmonary arterial flow is approximately 7 l/min
E) Resistance to venous return is 0.71 mm Hg/l/min
74. A 30-year-old man is resting, and his sympathetic output increases
to maximal values. Which set of changes would be expected in
response to this increased sympathetic output?
Resistance to Venous Return Mean Systemic Filling Pressure Venous Return
A) ↑ ↑ ↑
B) ↑ ↓ ↑
C) ↑ ↓ ↓
D) ↑ ↑ ↓
E) ↓ ↓ ↓
F) ↓ ↑ ↓
G) ↓ ↑ ↑
H) ↓ ↓ ↑
75. If a patient has an oxygen consumption of 240 ml/min, a
pulmonary vein oxygen concentration of 180 ml/l of blood, and a
pulmonary artery oxygen concentration of 160 ml/l of blood units,
what is the cardiac output in l/min?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 12
D) 16
E) 20
76. What normally causes the cardiac output curve to shift to the right
along the right atrial pressure axis?
A) Changing intrapleural pressure to −1 mm Hg
B) Increasing mean systemic filling pressure
C) Taking a patient off a mechanical ventilator and allowing
normal respiration
D) Decreasing intrapleural pressure to −7 mm Hg
E) Breathing against a negative pressure
77. What normally causes the cardiac output curve to shift to the left
along the right atrial pressure axis?
A) Surgically opening the chest
B) Severe cardiac tamponade
C) Breathing against a negative pressure
D) Playing a trumpet
E) Positive-pressure breathing
78. What will elevate the plateau of the cardiac output curve?
A) Surgically opening the thoracic cage
B) Connecting a patient to a mechanical ventilator
C) Cardiac tamponade
D) Increasing parasympathetic stimulation of the heart
E) Increasing sympathetic stimulation of the heart
79. What is normally associated with an increased cardiac output?
A) Increased parasympathetic stimulation
B) Atrioventricular (A-V) fistula
C) Decreased blood volume
D) Polycythemia
E) Severe aortic regurgitation
80. Which condition would be expected to decrease mean systemic
filling pressure?
A) Norepinephrine administration
B) Increased blood volume
C) Increased sympathetic stimulation
D) Increased venous compliance
E) Skeletal muscle contraction
81. A 35-year-old man undergoes several cardiac test during exercise.
The following measurements are made:
Right atrial pressure
= +2 mm Hg
Left atrial pressure
= +7 mm Hg
Left ventricular end diastolic pressure
= +10 mm Hg
Mean systemic filling pressure
= +12 mm Hg
Cardiac output = 10 l/min
What is the resistance to venous return (mm Hg/l/min) in this
individual?
A) 0.1
B) 0 .5
C) 1.0
D) 1.4
E) 2.0
82. In which condition would you expect a decreased resistance to
venous return?
A) Anemia
B) Increased venous resistance
C) Increased arteriolar resistance
D) Increased sympathetic output
E) Obstruction of veins
83. Which of the following would decrease cardiac output?
A) Increased stroke volume
B) Increased heart rate
C) Increased mean systemic filling pressure
D) Increased resistance to venous return
E) Increased venous return
84. In which condition would you normally expect to find a decreased
cardiac output?
A) Hyperthyroidism
B) Beriberi
C) A-V fistula
D) Increased muscle mass
E) Hypothyroidism
85. Which of the following sets of changes would tend to increase
coronary blood flow?
Coronary Arteriole
Resistance
Cardiac Adenosine
Concentration
Coronary Vascular
Conductance
Cardiac
Workload
A)↑
↑ ↑ ↓
B)↑
↓ ↑ ↓
C)↑
↓ ↓ ↓
D)↑
↑ ↓ ↓
E)↓
↓ ↓ ↑
F)↓
↑ ↓ ↑
G)↓
↑ ↑ ↑
H)↓
↓ ↑ ↑
86. What will usually increase the plateau level of the cardiac output
curve?
A) Myocarditis
B) Severe cardiac tamponade
C) Decreased parasympathetic stimulation of the heart
D) Myocardial infarction
E) Mitral stenosis
87. If a person has been exercising for 1 hour, which organ will have
the smallest decrease in blood flow?
A) Brain
B) Intestines
C) Kidneys
D) Nonexercising skeletal muscle
E) Pancreas
88. A 35-year-old man has been diagnosed with a vitamin B1
deficiency. Oxygen consumption in this man is 400 ml/min. In
addition, pulmonary vein oxygen concentration is 200 ml/l of
blood, and pulmonary artery oxygen concentration is 150 ml/l of
blood. What is the cardiac output (l/min) in this man?
A) 4.0
B) 5.0
C) 6.0
D) 7.0
E) 8.0
89. Which vasoactive agent is usually the most important controller of
coronary blood flow?
A) Adenosine
B) Bradykinin
C) Prostaglandins
D) Carbon dioxide
E) Potassium ions
90. What will elevate the plateau of the cardiac output curve?
A) Surgically opening the thoracic cage
B) Connecting a patient to a mechanical ventilator
C) Cardiac tamponade
D) Increasing parasympathetic stimulation of the heart
E) Increasing sympathetic stimulation of the heart
91. The most likely cause of cardiac pain in acute ischemic coronary
disease is an increase in the extracellular concentration of the
following:
A) Adenosine
B) Potassium
C) Nitric oxide
D) ATP
E) Lactic acid
92. Which condition normally causes arteriolar vasodilation during
exercise?
A) Decreased plasma potassium ion concentration
B) Increased histamine release
C) Decreased plasma nitric oxide concentration
D) Increased plasma adenosine concentration
E) Decreased plasma osmolality
93. At the onset of exercise, the mass sympathetic nervous system
strongly discharges. What would you expect to occur?
A) Increased sympathetic impulses to the heart
B) Decreased coronary blood flow
C) Decreased cerebral blood flow
D) Reverse stress relaxation
E) Venous dilation
94. A sudden occlusion that occurs in larger coronary arteries causes
an increase in the following:
A) Dilation of small anastomoses in cardiac tissue
B) Increase collateral blood flow
C) Increase production of adenosine
D) All of the above
E) Only A and C
95. A 70-year-old man with a weight of 100 kg (220 lb) and a blood
pressure of 160/90 mm Hg has been told by his doctor that he has
angina caused by myocardial ischemia. Which treatment would be
beneficial to this man?
A) Increased dietary calcium
B) Isometric exercise
C) A beta-1 receptor stimulator
D) Angiotensin II infusion
E) Nitroglycerin
96. Which event normally occurs during exercise?
A) Arteriolar dilation in exercising muscle
B) Decreased sympathetic output
C) Venoconstriction
D) Decreased release of norepinephrine by the adrenals
E) A and C
97. Which of the following is (are) responsible for the increase in
stroke volume in response to increased venous return?
A) Stretch of right atrium initiates a nervous reflex called the
Bainbridge reflex
B) Stretch of the sinus node in the wall of the right atrium has a
direct effect on the rhythmicity of the node to increase the
heart rate
C) Frank-Starling law of the heart
D) All of the above
E) A and C
98. A 60-year-old man sustained an ischemia-induced myocardial
infarction and died from ventricular fibrillation. In this patient,
what factor was most likely to increase the tendency of the heart to
fibrillate after the infarction?
A) Low potassium concentration in the heart extracellular fluid
B) A decrease in ventricular diameter
C) Increased sympathetic stimulation of the heart
D) Low adenosine concentration
E) Decreased parasympathetic stimulation of the heart
99. A 60-year-old man has been told by his doctor that he has angina
caused by myocardial ischemia. Which treatment would be
beneficial to this man?
A) Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition
B) Isometric exercise
C) Chelation therapy such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid
(EDTA)
D) Beta receptor stimulation
E) Increased dietary calcium
100. What is one of the major causes of death after myocardial
infarction?
A) Increased cardiac output
B) A decrease in pulmonary interstitial volume
C) Fibrillation of the heart
D) Increased cardiac contractility
101. Which statement about the results of sympathetic stimulation is
most accurate?
A) Epicardial flow increases
B) Venous resistance decreases
C) Arteriolar resistance decreases
D) Heart rate decreases
E) Venous reservoirs constrict
102. What is normally associated with the chronic stages of
compensated heart failure? Assume the patient is resting.
A) Dyspnea
B) Decreased right atrial pressure
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Sweating
E) Increased mean systemic filling pressure
103. What normally occurs in a person with unilateral left heart
failure?
A) Decreased pulmonary artery pressure
B) Decreased left atrial pressure
C) Decreased right atrial pressure
D) Edema of feet
E) Increased mean pulmonary filling pressure
104. What normally causes renal sodium retention during
compensated heart failure?
A) Increased formation of angiotensin II
g
B) Increased release of atrial natriuretic factor
C) Sympathetic vasodilation of the afferent arterioles
D) Increased glomerular filtration rate
E) Increased formation of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
105. Which intervention would normally be beneficial to a patient with
acute pulmonary edema?
A) Infuse a vasoconstrictor drug
B) Infuse a balanced electrolyte solution
C) Administer furosemide
D) Administer a bronchoconstrictor
E) Infuse whole blood
106. A 60-year-old man had a heart aack 2 days ago, and his blood
pressure has continued to decrease. He is now in cardiogenic
shock. Which therapy would be most beneficial?
A) Placing tourniquets on all four limbs
B) Administering a sympathetic inhibitor
C) Administering furosemide
D) Administering a blood volume expander
E) Increasing dietary sodium intake
107. If a 21-year-old male patient has a cardiac reserve of 300% and a
maximum cardiac output of 16 l/min, what is his resting cardiac
output?
A) 3 l/min
B) 4 l/min
C) 5.33 l/min
D) 6 l/min
E) 8 l/min
108. Which of the following occurs during heart failure and causes an
increase in renal sodium excretion?
A) Increased aldosterone release
B) Increased atrial natriuretic factor release
C) Decreased glomerular filtration rate
D) Increased angiotensin II release
E) Decreased mean arterial pressure
109. Which intervention would be appropriate therapy for a patient in
cardiogenic shock?
A) Placing tourniquets on the four limbs
B) Withdrawing a moderate amount of blood from the patient
C) Administering furosemide
g
D) Infusing a vasoconstrictor drug
110. Which condition normally accompanies acute unilateral right
heart failure?
A) Increased right atrial pressure
B) Increased left atrial pressure
C) Increased urinary output
D) Increased cardiac output
E) Increased arterial pressure
111. What is normally associated with the chronic stages of
compensated heart failure? Assume the patient is resting.
A) Decreased mean systemic filling pressure
B) Increased right atrial pressure
C) Increased heart rate
D) Sweating
E) Dyspnea
112. Patients with pulmonary edema often have dyspnea because of
accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Which of the following would
normally be the most beneficial for a patient with acute pulmonary
edema?
A) Infusing furosemide
B) Infusing dobutamine
C) Infusing saline solution
D) Infusing norepinephrine
E) Infusing whole blood
113. Which of the following is associated with compensated heart
failure?
A) Increased cardiac output
B) Increased blood volume
C) Decreased mean systemic filling pressure
D) Normal right atrial pressure
114. Which condition is normally associated with an increase in mean
systemic filling pressure?
A) Decreased blood volume
B) Congestive heart failure
C) Sympathetic inhibition
D) Venous dilation
115. Which condition normally occurs during the early stages of
compensated heart failure?
A) Increased right atrial pressure
g p
B) Normal heart rate
C) Decreased angiotensin II release
D) Decreased aldosterone release
E) Increased urinary output of sodium and water
116. What often occurs during decompensated heart failure?
A) Hypertension
B) Increased mean pulmonary filling pressure
C) Decreased pulmonary capillary pressure
D) Increased cardiac output
E) Increased norepinephrine in the endings of the cardiac
sympathetic nerves
117. Which of the following often occurs in decompensated heart
failure?
A) Increased renal loss of sodium and water
B) Decreased mean systemic filling pressure
C) Increased norepinephrine in cardiac sympathetic receptors
D) Orthopnea
E) Weight loss
118. An 80-year-old man at a local hospital was diagnosed with a heart
murmur. A chest radiograph showed an enlarged heart but no
edema fluid in the lungs. The mean QRS axis of his ECG was 170
degrees. His pulmonary wedge pressure was normal. What is the
diagnosis?
A) Mitral stenosis
B) Aortic stenosis
C) Pulmonary valve stenosis
D) Tricuspid stenosis
E) Mitral regurgitation
119. The fourth heart sound is associated with which mechanism?
A) In-rushing of blood into the ventricles from atrial contraction
B) Closing of the A-V valves
C) Closing of the pulmonary valve
D) Opening of the A-V valves
E) In-rushing of blood into the ventricles in the early to middle
part of diastole
120. A 40-year-old woman has been diagnosed with a heart murmur.
A “ blowing” murmur of relatively high pitch is heard maximally
over the left ventricle. The chest radiograph shows an enlarged
heart. Arterial pressure in the aorta is 140/40 mm Hg. What is the
diagnosis?
A) Aortic valve stenosis
B) Aortic valve regurgitation
C) Pulmonary valve stenosis
D) Mitral valve stenosis
E) Tricuspid valve regurgitation
121. In which disorder will left ventricular hypertrophy normally
occur?
A) Pulmonary valve regurgitation
B) Tricuspid regurgitation
C) Mitral stenosis
D) Tricuspid stenosis
E) Aortic stenosis
122. Which heart murmur is heard during systole?
A) Aortic valve regurgitation
B) Pulmonary valve regurgitation
C) Tricuspid valve stenosis
D) Mitral valve stenosis
E) Patent ductus arteriosus
123. An increase in left atrial pressure is most likely to occur in which
heart murmur?
A) Tricuspid stenosis
B) Pulmonary valve regurgitation
C) Aortic stenosis
D) Tricuspid regurgitation
E) Pulmonary valve stenosis
124. A 50-year-old woman at a local hospital has been diagnosed with
a heart murmur. A murmur of relatively low pitch is heard
maximally over the second intercostal space to the right of the
sternum. The chest radiograph shows an enlarged heart. The mean
QRS axis of the ECG is −45 degrees. What is the diagnosis?
A) Mitral valve stenosis
B) Aortic valve stenosis
C) Pulmonary valve stenosis
D) Tricuspid valve stenosis
E) Tricuspid valve regurgitation
125. A 40-year-old woman has been diagnosed with a heart murmur of
relatively high pitch heard maximally in the second intercostal
y g p y
space to the left of the sternum. The mean QRS axis of his ECG is
150 degrees and the chest radiographs show an enlarged heart. The
arterial blood oxygen content is normal. What is the likely
diagnosis?
A) Aortic stenosis
B) Aortic regurgitation
C) Pulmonary valve regurgitation
D) Mitral stenosis
E) Tricuspid stenosis
126. In which condition will right ventricular hypertrophy normally
occur?
A) Tetralogy of Fallot
B) Mild aortic stenosis
C) Mild aortic insufficiency
D) Mitral stenosis
E) Tricuspid stenosis
127. Which heart murmur is only heard during diastole?
A) Patent ductus arteriosus
B) Aortic stenosis
C) Tricuspid valve regurgitation
D) Interventricular septal defect
E) Mitral stenosis
128. A person with which condition is most likely to have low arterial
oxygen content?
A) Tetralogy of Fallot
B) Pulmonary artery stenosis
C) Tricuspid insufficiency
D) Patent ductus arteriosus
E) Tricuspid stenosis
129. Which of the following is associated with the first heart sound?
A) Inrushing of blood into the ventricles as a result of atrial
contraction
B) Closing of the A-V valves
C) Closing of the pulmonary valve
D) Opening of the A-V valves
E) Inrushing of blood into the ventricles in the early to middle
part of diastole
130. A 2-year-old girl had an echocardiogram. The results indicated a
thickened right ventricle. Other data indicated that the patient had
g p
severely decreased arterial oxygen content and equal systolic
pressures in both cardiac ventricles. What condition is present?
A) Interventricular septal defect
B) Tetralogy of Fallot
C) Pulmonary valve stenosis
D) Pulmonary valve regurgitation
E) Patent ductus arteriosus
131. Which heart murmur is only heard during diastole?
A) Patent ductus arteriosus
B) Mitral regurgitation
C) Tricuspid valve stenosis
D) Interventricular septal defect
E) Aortic stenosis
132. Which mechanism is associated with the third heart sound?
A) Inrushing of blood into the ventricles as a result of atrial
contraction
B) Closing of the A-V valves
C) Closing of the pulmonary valve
D) Opening of the A-V valves
E) Inrushing of blood into the ventricles in the early to middle
part of diastole
133. Which condition often occurs in a person with progressive
hemorrhagic shock?
A) Increased capillary permeability
B) Stress relaxation of veins
C) Tissue alkalosis
D) Increased urine output
E) Increased mean systemic filling pressure
134. In which condition will administration of a sympathomimetic
drug be the therapy of choice to prevent shock?
A) Spinal cord injury
B) Shock due to excessive vomiting
C) Hemorrhagic shock
D) Shock caused by excess diuretics
135. The blood pressure of a 60-year-old man decreased to 55/35 mm
Hg during induction of anesthesia. His ECG still shows a normal
sinus rhythm. What initial therapy do you recommend?
A) Infusion of packed red blood cells
B) Infusion of plasma
p
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of a glucocorticoid
136. A 65-year-old man enters a local emergency department a few
minutes after receiving an influenza inoculation. He has pallor,
tachycardia, arterial pressure of 80/50, and trouble walking. What
therapy do you recommend to prevent shock?
A) Infusion of blood
B) Administration of an antihistamine
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution such as saline
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of tissue plasminogen activator
137. Which condition often occurs in compensated hemorrhagic
shock? Assume systolic pressure is 48 mm Hg.
A) Decreased heart rate
B) Stress relaxation of veins
C) Decreased ADH release
D) Decreased absorption of interstitial fluid through the
capillaries
E) Central nervous system (CNS) ischemic response
138. If a patient undergoing spinal anesthesia experiences a large
decrease in arterial pressure and goes into shock, what would be
the therapy of choice?
A) Plasma infusion
B) Blood infusion
C) Saline solution infusion
D) Glucocorticoid infusion
E) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
139. A 25-year-old man who has been in a motorcycle wreck enters the
emergency department. His clothes are very bloody, and his
arterial pressure is decreased to 70/40 mm Hg. His heart rate is 120
beats/min, and his respiratory rate is 30/min. Which therapy would
the physician recommend?
A) Infusion of blood
B) Infusion of plasma
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of a glucocorticoid
140. In which type of shock does cardiac output often increase?
yp p
A) Hemorrhagic shock
B) Anaphylactic shock
C) Septic shock
D) Neurogenic shock
141. A 20-year-old man who has been hemorrhaging as a result of a
gunshot wound enters a local emergency department. He has pale
skin, tachycardia, an arterial pressure of 60/40 mm Hg, and trouble
walking. Unfortunately, the blood bank is out of whole blood.
Which therapy would the physician recommend to prevent shock?
A) Administration of a glucocorticoid
B) Administration of an antihistamine
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Infusion of plasma
142. A 10-year-old girl in the hospital had an intestinal obstruction,
and her arterial pressure decreased to 70/40 mm Hg. Her heart rate
is 120 beats/min, and her respiratory rate is 30/min. Which therapy
would the physician recommend?
A) Infusion of blood
B) Infusion of plasma
C) Infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution
D) Infusion of a sympathomimetic drug
E) Administration of a glucocorticoid
143. What often occurs during progressive shock?
A) Patchy areas of necrosis in the liver
B) Decreased tendency for blood to clot
C) Increased glucose metabolism
D) Decreased release of hydrolases by lysosomes
E) Decreased capillary permeability
144. Release of which substance causes vasodilation and increased
capillary permeability during anaphylactic shock?
A) Histamine
B) Bradykinin
C) Nitric oxide
D) Atrial natriuretic factor
E) Adenosine
145. A 36-year-old female has a resting cardiac output (CO) of 4.8
l/min and after maximum exercise increased to 19.2 l/min. What is
(approximately) her cardiac reserve?
pp y
A) 400%
B) 300%
C) 500%
D) Cannot be estimated without mean arterial pressure values
E) Cannot be estimated without total peripheral resistance
values
146. A 58-year-old patient with a history of atherosclerosis and
hypertension suffers a heart aack. What are acute events that take
place immediately (0–30 seconds) after heart damage?
A) Increased cardiac output
B) Blood accumulation in the aorta
C) Sympathetic activation
D) Parasympathetic activation
E) Inhibition of angiotensin II
147. What is incorrect about cardiac failure?
A) Moderate fluid retention is beneficial
B) Cardiac reserve is decreased only when ejection fraction is
less than 30%
C) Cardiac failure may develop with high or low cardiac output
D) Cardiac recovery is possible but cardiac reserve is always
decreased
E) A low cardiac output tends to decrease urinary output
148. An important reason why moderate fluid retention in low-output
heart failure is beneficial is:
A) Preserves isovolumetric contraction
B) Increases afterload
C) Improves preload
D) Reduces aortic pressure
E) Decreases peripheral edema
149. In decompensated heart failure, the failure of CO to rise enough will
result in:
A) Progressive fluid retention, increased mean filling pressure,
and increased right atrial pressure
B) Progressive parasympathetic activation, decreased
aldosterone, increased heart rate.
C) Moderate fluid retention, increased mean filling pressure,
decreased venous return
D) Vasoconstriction, bronchospasm, and decreased right atrial
pressure
p
E) Stable fluid retention, increased mean filling pressure, and
increased right atrial pressure
150. A 67-year-old man has an ejection fraction of 0.32, no cyanosis, a
history of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure, and a systolic
murmur. What is your most likely diagnosis?
A) Mitral stenosis
B) Tetralogy of Fallot
C) Mitral regurgitation
D) Patent ductus arteriosus
E) Tricuspid stenosis
151. The murmur in mitral stenosis is due to:
A) Increased pulmonary pressures
B) Narrowed outflow tract of the left ventricle
C) Backflow from atria to the pulmonary vessels
D) Narrowed mitral valve opening
E) A and D
152. What is correct about interpretation of left ventricular pressurevolume loops in valve disease?
A) Aortic stenosis shows a taller P-V loop with reduced preload.
B) Isovolumetric systolic period is lost in aortic regurgitation but
preserved in mitral regurgitation
C) Aortic stenosis and regurgitation show a significantly
increased afterload.
D) Mitral stenosis and regurgitation show a significantly
increased afterload.
E) Isovolumetric diastolic period is lost in tricuspid stenosis.
153. A 6-month-old patient has a chest X-ray showing enlargement of
the heart and blood work with low Po2
. Which situation best
explains his condition?
A) Patent ductus arteriosus
B) A right-to-left shunt
C) A left-to-right shunt
D) Congenital tricuspid stenosis
E) Interatrial septal defect
154. Which of the following is correct about hemorrhagic shock?
A) Deterioration of the heart is probably the most important
factor in progression of shock
B) Deterioration of the liver is probably the most important
factor in progression of shock
C) Autoregulation in the brain reverses cellular deterioration in
irreversible shock
D) Autoregulation in the heart reverses cellular deterioration in
irreversible shock
E) Autoregulation in the kidneys reverses cellular deterioration
in irreversible shock
155. A 48-year-old male suffers a massive heart aack that deteriorates
over 70% of his left ventricle (LV) (EKG shows ST elevation from
V1 to V6, in lead I, and in aVL). The blood pressure is 82/57 mm
Hg, heart rate is 135 beats/min, pulse is weak and the patient
displays generalized signs of hypoperfusion (lethargic, pale, sweat,
cold skin). The diagnosis of the heart aack was done at his home 7
hours ago. The patient was admied 55 minutes ago and has been
receiving IV fluids, oxygen, and sympathomimetics He showed a
brief improvement in blood pressure and cardiac dynamics but
then continued to deteriorate with no further response to
treatment. Which of the following statements is most likely to be
correct?
A) The delay between diagnosis and admiance at hospital
complicated the patients’ hemorrhagic shock with a
progressive decrease in capillary permeability
B) It is possible that fluids may have been insufficient and
increased administration of blood + fluids may reverse cellular
deterioration
C) The patient is most likely at the irreversible stage of shock
D) The diminished delivery of oxygen to the tissues leads to
generalized tissue alkalosis and cellular deterioration
E) Since the cause of shock is from cardiac origin, no toxins are
released or accumulated and cellular deterioration may not
develop.
156. The patient from the previous question, after 2 hours of
therapeutic interventions, develops ventricular fibrillation. Which
of the following will represent the most significant change in his
left ventricular cardiovascular dynamics?
A) A significant increase in preload
B) A decrease in afterload with preserve preload
C) A circulatory arrest
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