AP Cardiovascular System Practice Test

AP CARDIOVASCULAR

SYSTEM PRACTICE TEST

Question 1: Which layer of the heart wall consists of cardiac muscle tissue and is responsible for the pumping action of the heart?

Choices:

1) Epicardium 2) Myocardium 3) Endocardium 4) Pericardium

Correct Answer: Myocardium

Explanation: The myocardium is the thick, middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle tissue, which contracts to pump blood.Page 1

Question 2: Which valve prevents the back�ow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular systole?

Choices:

1) Tricuspid valve 2) Aortic semilunar valve 3) Mitral (bicuspid) valve 4) Pulmonary semilunar valve

Correct Answer: Mitral (bicuspid) valve

Explanation: The mitral, or bicuspid, valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle and closes during systole to prevent back�ow.Question 3: Blood returning to the heart from the systemic circuit �rst enters which chamber?

Choices:

1) Right atrium 2) Right ventricle 3) Left atrium 4) Left ventricle

Correct Answer: Right atrium

Explanation: Deoxygenated blood from the body returns via the superior and inferior vena cavae into the right atrium.Page 2

Question 4: The coronary sulcus is a groove on the surface of the heart that marks

the boundary between the:

Choices:

1) Left and right atria 2) Left and right ventricles 3) Atria and ventricles 4) Epicardium and myocardium

Correct Answer: Atria and ventricles

Explanation: The coronary sulcus (atrioventricular sulcus) encircles the heart and separates the atria from the ventricles structurally.Question 5: Which structure attaches the atrioventricular valves to the papillary muscles, preventing the valves from everting into the atria?

Choices:

1) Trabeculae carneae 2) Pectinate muscles 3) Chordae tendineae 4) Ligamentum arteriosum

Correct Answer: Chordae tendineae

Explanation: Chordae tendineae are the 'heart strings' that anchor the AV valves to the papillary muscles to prevent prolapse during ventricular contraction.Page 3