Biology Exam - Basic Heart Anatomy Quiz

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Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.
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1. Why is the L ventricle thicker than the R ventricle?

Explanation

The left ventricle is thicker than the right ventricle because it needs to generate a much higher pressure to pump blood throughout the entire body. The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta, from where it travels through the systemic circulation to supply all the tissues and organs. This requires a strong and powerful contraction, necessitating a thicker, more muscular wall. In contrast, the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery, which is a much shorter distance and requires less force, so its wall is thinner.

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About This Quiz
Biology Exam - Basic Heart Anatomy Quiz - Quiz

Welcome to the Basic Heart Anatomy Quiz! This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of the fundamental structures and functions of the human heart. Whether you're a... see morestudent, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about how the heart works, this quiz offers a fun and educational challenge.

You'll be asked to identify key parts of the heart, understand their roles, and learn interesting facts about heart anatomy. Dive into questions about the atria, ventricles, valves, and major blood vessels. Test your skills and enhance your understanding of this vital organ. Good luck and enjoy the quiz!
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2. When ventricles relax what is it called

Explanation

When the ventricles relax, it is referred to as ventricular diastole. During this phase, the ventricles fill with blood from the atria. This relaxation allows the ventricles to refill and prepare for the next contraction. Ventricular systole, on the other hand, is the phase when the ventricles contract and pump blood out of the heart.

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3. How does deoxygenated blood travel?

Explanation

Deoxygenated blood travels from the body to the right atrium of the heart via the superior and inferior vena cava. It is then pumped from the right atrium through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle. When the right ventricle contracts, the blood is sent through the pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery, which transports it to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen. The oxygenated blood then returns to the left atrium of the heart via the pulmonary veins, ready to be pumped out to the body through systemic circulation.

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4. What is the L. AV valve called?

Explanation

The right atrioventricular (R. AV) valve is called the tricuspid valve. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. The tricuspid valve has three flaps or cusps that open to allow deoxygenated blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. When the right ventricle contracts, the tricuspid valve closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium, ensuring one-way blood flow within the heart.

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5. Why is the anterior interventricular sulcus important?

Explanation

The anterior interventricular sulcus is important because it contains the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, also known as the left coronary artery, and the great cardiac vein. The LAD artery supplies oxygen-rich blood to the front portion of the left side of the heart, including the interventricular septum and the anterior wall of the left ventricle. The great cardiac vein runs alongside the LAD artery and collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle, returning it to the right atrium. This sulcus, therefore, plays a crucial role in providing the heart with the blood supply necessary for its function and removing waste products.

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6. What does red mean in the cardiovascular system?

Explanation

The color red in the cardiovascular system represents oxygenated blood. Oxygenated blood is rich in oxygen and is typically bright red in color. It is pumped from the lungs to the rest of the body to supply oxygen to the tissues and organs.

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7. Whar are the. three parts of the aorta

Explanation

The three parts of the aorta are the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The ascending aorta starts from the left ventricle of the heart and goes up towards the aortic arch. The aortic arch is a curved part of the aorta that gives rise to the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery. The descending aorta continues from the aortic arch and goes down towards the abdomen. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these parts make up the aorta.

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8. What structure from the heart sits to the left?

Explanation

The left atrium is the heart structure that sits to the left side of the heart. It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the pulmonary veins. The left atrium then pumps this oxygen-rich blood into the left ventricle through the mitral valve. The left ventricle, located below the left atrium, then pumps the blood into the aorta, which distributes it throughout the body. The left atrium plays a crucial role in the heart's function of maintaining systemic circulation.

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9. What is the muscle in the wall of the ventricles?

Explanation

The muscle in the wall of the ventricles is cardiac muscle. Cardiac muscle is a specialized type of muscle tissue found only in the heart. It is responsible for the contractile function that pumps blood out of the ventricles into the pulmonary artery and aorta. Cardiac muscle fibers are striated like skeletal muscle but are involuntary, meaning they contract without conscious control, similar to smooth muscle. The unique properties of cardiac muscle, including its ability to generate rhythmic contractions and its high resistance to fatigue, are essential for the continuous pumping action of the heart.

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10. The function of left pulmonary veins is to:

Explanation

The left pulmonary veins are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the left lung to the left atrium of the heart. There are typically two left pulmonary veins, which carry blood that has been oxygenated in the lungs back to the heart. This oxygen-rich blood is then pumped from the left atrium into the left ventricle, and from there it is circulated throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.

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11. What is the function of R and L AV valves?

Explanation

The right and left atrioventricular (AV) valves, known as the tricuspid valve and mitral (or bicuspid) valve, respectively, play a crucial role in maintaining one-way blood flow through the heart. The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle, while the mitral valve is located between the left atrium and left ventricle. During ventricular contraction, these valves close to prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricles into the atria. This ensures that blood flows efficiently from the atria to the ventricles and then from the ventricles to the lungs or the rest of the body, maintaining proper circulation and efficient heart function.

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12. Is the left side of the heart oxygenated or deoxygenated?

Explanation

The left side of the heart is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Oxygenated blood is rich in oxygen and is necessary for providing oxygen to the body's tissues and organs. This is why the correct answer is "oxygenated blood."

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13. How do arteries travel?

Explanation

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to various parts of the body, including organs, tissues, and muscles. The walls of arteries are thick and elastic, allowing them to withstand the high pressure created by the pumping action of the heart. As the heart contracts, it pushes blood into the arteries, and the arteries carry this oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Therefore, the correct answer is "away from the heart."

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14. What do you call a vessel that goes toward the heart?

Explanation

A vessel that goes toward the heart is called a vein. Veins are blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They have valves that help prevent the backflow of blood and assist in the movement of blood against gravity. Arteries, on the other hand, carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while capillaries are tiny blood vessels that connect arteries and veins, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the blood and surrounding tissues.

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15. How does oxygenated blood travel?

Explanation

Oxygenated blood travels from the lungs to the left atrium via the pulmonary veins. From the left atrium, it moves through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. When the left ventricle contracts, it pumps the oxygenated blood through the aortic valve into the aorta, which distributes it throughout the body. After delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, the deoxygenated blood returns to the right atrium via the superior and inferior vena cava, completing the circulatory loop.

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16. What is the 3rd layer of the heart wall?

Explanation

The correct answer is endocardium. The endocardium is the innermost layer of the heart wall and it lines the cavities of the heart, including the chambers and valves. It is composed of a thin layer of endothelial cells and connective tissue.

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17. What is the wall that separates the R and L ventricles?

Explanation

The wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart is called the interventricular septum. This structure plays a crucial role in maintaining the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart. It prevents the mixing of blood between the two ventricles, ensuring that oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the body and oxygen-poor blood is sent to the lungs for oxygenation.

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18. What arteries bring blood to the heart wall?

Explanation

The coronary arteries are responsible for bringing oxygen-rich blood to the heart wall. These arteries originate from the base of the aorta and branch out to supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with the necessary oxygen and nutrients it needs to function effectively. There are two main coronary arteries: the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery, each of which further divides into smaller branches to cover the entire heart muscle. The left coronary artery includes branches such as the left anterior descending artery and the circumflex artery, while the right coronary artery includes the right marginal artery and the posterior descending artery.

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19. Which are bigger, the atriums or the ventricles?

Explanation

The ventricles are bigger than the atria. The atria are the two upper chambers of the heart, while the ventricles are the two lower chambers. The ventricles are responsible for pumping blood to the rest of the body, so they need to be larger and more muscular than the atriums. This allows them to generate enough force to push the blood out of the heart and into the arteries.

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20.  What vessels are found in anterior interventricular sulcus? What about posterior interventricular sulcus?

Explanation

The vessels found in the anterior interventricular sulcus are the great cardiac vein and the anterior interventricular artery. The great cardiac vein drains blood from the heart muscle, while the anterior interventricular artery supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. In the posterior interventricular sulcus, the vessels present are the middle cardiac vein and the posterior interventricular artery. The middle cardiac vein drains blood from the posterior part of the heart, and the posterior interventricular artery supplies oxygenated blood to the posterior part of the heart muscle. Therefore, all of these vessels are found in both the anterior and posterior interventricular sulci.

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21. What are the two semilunar valves and where do we find each one?

Explanation

The correct answer is "all" because both the aortic semilunar valve and the pulmonary semilunar valve are found in the locations mentioned. The aortic semilunar valve is located between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta, while the pulmonary semilunar valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk.

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22. The function of superior and inferior vena cava

Explanation

Both the superior and inferior vena cava are large veins that bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The superior vena cava carries blood from the upper body, including the head, neck, and upper limbs, while the inferior vena cava carries blood from the lower body, including the abdomen and lower limbs. Both veins empty into the right atrium of the heart, where the blood is then pumped to the lungs to receive oxygen. Therefore, the correct answer is that both the superior and inferior vena cava bring deoxygenated blood to the right atrium.

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23. What is the R. AV valve (atrioventricular) called?

Explanation

The right atrioventricular (R. AV) valve is called the tricuspid valve. It is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart. The tricuspid valve has three flaps or cusps that open to allow deoxygenated blood to flow from the right atrium into the right ventricle. When the right ventricle contracts, the tricuspid valve closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the right atrium, ensuring one-way blood flow within the heart.

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24. What are the string-like structures that hold the R and L valves down called?

Explanation

Chordae tendinae are string-like structures that attach the papillary muscles to the valves of the heart, specifically the R and L valves. These structures help to hold the valves in place and prevent them from prolapsing or leaking.

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25. What are the 4 chambers in the heart?

Explanation

The correct answer is R and L atrium and R and L ventricle. The heart is divided into four chambers, with two atria (right and left) and two ventricles (right and left). The atria receive blood from the body and lungs, while the ventricles pump blood out to the body and lungs.

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26. What is the 2nd layer of the heart wall? 

Explanation

The correct answer is myocardium (heart muscle). The heart wall is composed of three layers: the endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium. The myocardium is the middle layer and consists of cardiac muscle tissue. It is responsible for the contraction of the heart, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body.

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27. Location of aortic valve?

Explanation

The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the ascending aorta. This valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, which is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

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28. What is it called when ventricles contract? 

Explanation

When the ventricles contract, it is called ventricular systole. During this phase, the blood is pumped out of the ventricles and into the arteries. This contraction is responsible for the forceful ejection of blood and the generation of blood pressure. Ventricular systole is an important part of the cardiac cycle and is followed by ventricular diastole, which is the relaxation phase of the ventricles.

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29. Location of L AV valve

Explanation

The L AV valve is located between the L atrium and L ventricle. This valve, also known as the mitral valve, ensures that blood flows in one direction from the atrium to the ventricle. It prevents backflow of blood into the atrium when the ventricle contracts.

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30. What are the 2 layers of the pericardium?

Explanation

The pericardium is composed of two layers: the visceral layer of serous membrane, which is the internal layer, and the parietal layer of serous pericardium, which is the external layer. These two layers work together to protect and support the heart.

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31. How is blood supposed to move

Explanation

Blood is supposed to move only in one direction due to the presence of valves in the veins. These valves prevent the backflow of blood and ensure that it flows in a forward direction towards the heart. This unidirectional flow is essential for the efficient functioning of the circulatory system, as it allows oxygenated blood to reach the body's tissues and organs while deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart for oxygenation.

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32. How many layers does the heart wall have?

Explanation

The heart wall is composed of three layers: the epicardium, the myocardium, and the endocardium. The epicardium is the outermost layer, providing protection and lubrication for the heart. The myocardium is the middle layer, consisting of cardiac muscle tissue responsible for the contraction of the heart. The endocardium is the innermost layer, lining the chambers and valves of the heart. Therefore, the correct answer is 3.

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33. Where do we find the coronary sulcus?

Explanation

The coronary sulcus is found between the atrium and ventricles of the heart. It is a groove that marks the external boundary between the atria and ventricles. The coronary sinus, which is a large vein that collects blood from the heart muscle, as well as multiple arteries also pass through the coronary sulcus. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these structures can be found in the coronary sulcus.

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34.  What is the muscle name that is found in atria? What is the muscle that is found in the ventricles?

Explanation

The explanation for the correct answer is that all of the mentioned muscles are found in both the atriums and ventricles. The pectinate muscle is found in the atria, while the papillary muscle and trabecular carneae are found in the ventricles. Therefore, the correct answer is that all of these muscles are present in both the atria and ventricles.

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35. What sits above the diaphragm and behind the sternum

Explanation

The heart is the organ that sits above the diaphragm and behind the sternum. It is centrally located in the thoracic cavity within the mediastinum. This position allows the heart to be well-protected by the rib cage and sternum while also being close to the lungs for efficient oxygenation of blood. The diaphragm plays a crucial role in respiration and supports the heart's position, while the sternum provides anterior protection.

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36. What sits on the wall that is between the R and L ventricles?

Explanation

The correct answer is the anterior interventricular sulcus. The anterior interventricular sulcus is a groove that runs along the front of the heart between the right and left ventricles. It contains important blood vessels, such as the anterior interventricular artery, which supplies oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. The other options mentioned, such as the posterior interventricular sulcus and the aorta, are not located between the R and L ventricles.

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37. What is the location of the pulmonary semilunar valve?

Explanation

The pulmonary semilunar valve is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary trunk. This valve prevents the backflow of blood from the pulmonary trunk into the right ventricle during ventricular relaxation.

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38. What is the name of the valve between Right atrium and right ventricle? What about the left atrium and the left ventricles?

Explanation

The given correct answer states that the valve between the right atrium and right ventricle is called the right atrioventricular valve or the tricuspid valve. Similarly, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle is called the left atrioventricular valve or the bicuspid valve. Therefore, both options 1 and 2 are correct, making the answer "all".

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39. Location of fossa ovalis?

Explanation

The fossa ovalis is a depression in the interatrial septum of the heart, specifically in the right atrium. It is a remnant of the fetal structure called the foramen ovale, which allows blood to bypass the lungs in utero. After birth, the foramen ovale closes, leaving behind the fossa ovalis. Therefore, the correct answer is "only in atrium."

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40. What elastic type structure covers the R and L atrium? 

Explanation

The auricle of the left or right atrium is a structure that covers the atrium. The pericardium is a fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, not specifically the atrium. The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body and is not a structure that covers the atrium. Therefore, the correct answer is the auricle of the left or right atrium.

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41. Where does the heart sit

Explanation

The heart sits in the middle of the chest because it is located between the two lungs, slightly to the left of the center of the chest. It is positioned in such a way that it can efficiently pump blood to the entire body.

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42. What is the 1st layer of the heart wall?

Explanation

The correct answer is epicardium (same as visceral layer). The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart wall and is also known as the visceral layer. It is a thin layer that covers the heart and is composed of connective tissue and epithelial cells. The epicardium helps protect the heart and provides a smooth surface for the heart to beat against.

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43. What sits in the posterior interventricular sulcus? 

Explanation

Both the posterior interventricular artery and the middle cardiac vein sit in the posterior interventricular sulcus. The posterior interventricular artery supplies oxygenated blood to the posterior walls of the ventricles, while the middle cardiac vein drains deoxygenated blood from the same area. Therefore, both structures are present in the posterior interventricular sulcus.

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44. What is pericardium and what are its layers?

Explanation

The pericardium is a double-layer sac that surrounds the heart. It consists of two layers: the parietal layer of serous pericardium and the visceral layer of serous pericardium. These layers provide protection and support to the heart, preventing it from rubbing against surrounding structures and allowing it to move smoothly within the chest cavity. Therefore, option 4, which states that the pericardium has both the parietal and visceral layers, is the correct answer.

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45. How many layers does the pericardium have

Explanation

The pericardium, which is the protective sac around the heart, consists of two layers: the fibrous pericardium and the serous pericardium. The fibrous pericardium is the tough, outer layer, while the serous pericardium is the thinner, inner layer. These two layers work together to provide support, protection, and lubrication for the heart. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.

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46. What connective tissue is in between the ventricles and atria?

Explanation

Fibrous connective tissue is the correct answer because it is the type of connective tissue that is found between the ventricles and atria. Fibrous connective tissue is characterized by its dense arrangement of collagen fibers, which provide strength and support to various body structures. It is commonly found in tendons, ligaments, and the outer layer of organs. In this context, fibrous connective tissue likely plays a role in connecting and supporting the ventricles and atria, ensuring their proper function and structural integrity.

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47. Where is the pectinate muscle located?

Explanation

The pectinate muscle is located only in the right and left atrium of the heart. It is a ridge-like structure composed of muscular fibers that help in increasing the surface area of the atria, allowing for more efficient contraction and blood flow. This muscle is absent in other parts of the heart, such as the aorta and AV valves.

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48. What branches off from the ascending aorta?

Explanation

The ascending aorta branches off into two main arteries: the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery. These arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. The left coronary artery supplies blood to the left side of the heart, including the left ventricle and left atrium. The right coronary artery supplies blood to the right side of the heart, including the right ventricle and right atrium. Therefore, the correct answer is the right coronary artery.

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49. What valves prevent blood from going back into the aorta?

Explanation

The correct answer is aortic semilunar valve prevents blood from flowing back into the aorta. These valves ensure that blood flows in one direction, preventing any regurgitation or backflow of blood.

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50. What is the function of the papillary muscle? 

Explanation

The papillary muscles are responsible for anchoring the chordae tendinae, which are thin strands of connective tissue, to the atrioventricular (AV) valves in the heart. This prevents the valves from collapsing into the atrium when the ventricles contract and helps to maintain the proper direction of blood flow through the heart.

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Stephen Reinbold |PhD (Biological Sciences) |
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Stephen Reinbold has a PhD in Biological Sciences and a strong passion for teaching. He taught various subjects including General Biology, Environmental Science, Zoology, Genetics, and Anatomy & Physiology at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, Missouri, for nearly thirty years. He focused on scientific methodology and student research projects. Now retired, he works part-time as an editor and engages in online activities.

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Why is the L ventricle thicker than the R ventricle?
When ventricles relax what is it called
How does deoxygenated blood travel?
What is the L. AV valve called?
Why is the anterior interventricular sulcus important?
What does red mean in the cardiovascular system?
Whar are the. three parts of the aorta
What structure from the heart sits to the left?
What is the muscle in the wall of the ventricles?
The function of left pulmonary veins is to:
What is the function of R and L AV valves?
Is the left side of the heart oxygenated or deoxygenated?
How do arteries travel?
What do you call a vessel that goes toward the heart?
How does oxygenated blood travel?
What is the 3rd layer of the heart wall?
What is the wall that separates the R and L ventricles?
What arteries bring blood to the heart wall?
Which are bigger, the atriums or the ventricles?
 What vessels are found in anterior interventricular sulcus? What...
What are the two semilunar valves and where do we find each one?
The function of superior and inferior vena cava
What is the R. AV valve (atrioventricular) called?
What are the string-like structures that hold the R and L valves down...
What are the 4 chambers in the heart?
What is the 2nd layer of the heart wall? 
Location of aortic valve?
What is it called when ventricles contract? 
Location of L AV valve
What are the 2 layers of the pericardium?
How is blood supposed to move
How many layers does the heart wall have?
Where do we find the coronary sulcus?
 What is the muscle name that is found in atria? What is the...
What sits above the diaphragm and behind the sternum
What sits on the wall that is between the R and L ventricles?
What is the location of the pulmonary semilunar valve?
What is the name of the valve between Right atrium and right...
Location of fossa ovalis?
What elastic type structure covers the R and L atrium? 
Where does the heart sit
What is the 1st layer of the heart wall?
What sits in the posterior interventricular sulcus? 
What is pericardium and what are its layers?
How many layers does the pericardium have
What connective tissue is in between the ventricles and atria?
Where is the pectinate muscle located?
What branches off from the ascending aorta?
What valves prevent blood from going back into the aorta?
What is the function of the papillary muscle? 
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