Layers and Functions of the Heart

What is the outermost layer of the heart called?

• Myocardium

• Endocardium

• Epicardium

• Pericardium

Which layer of the heart is primarily responsible for its contractile function?

• Epicardium

• Myocardium

• Endocardium

• Pericardium

What does the term "functional syncytium" refer to in cardiac muscle cells?

• The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract independently

• The coordinated contraction of cardiac muscle cells as a single unit

• The structural support provided by the cardiac skeleton

• The electrical insulation between atria and ventricles

What structures connect cardiac muscle fibers?

• Sarcomeres

• Intercalated discs

• Myofibrils

• T-tubules

Which of the following is NOT a component of intercalated discs?

• Desmosomes

• Gap junctions

• Tight junctions

• Adherens junctions

What is the innermost layer of the heart called?

• Epicardium

• Myocardium

• Endocardium

• Pericardium

What does "systole" refer to in the cardiac cycle?

• Relaxation of the heart chambers

• Contraction of the heart chambers

• Filling of the heart chambers

• Emptying of the heart chambers

What does "diastole" refer to in the cardiac cycle?

• Relaxation of the heart chambers

• Contraction of the heart chambers

• Filling of the heart chambers

• Emptying of the heart chambers

Which layer is NOT a tunic of arteries and veins?

• Tunica intima

• Tunica media

• Tunica externa

• Tunica fibrosa

What is the primary function of capillaries?

• Transport oxygenated blood to the heart

• Exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues

• Store blood for emergencies

• Regulate blood pressure