Cardiovascular System Practice Exam Related

Review Cardiovascular System Practice Exam related questions and content

During which process does coronary artery blood flow to the myocardium occur during diastole, when coronary vascular resistance is reduced?

  • A. Coronary perfusion pressure
  • B. Coronary vascular resistance
  • C. Diastolic filling
  • D. Ventricular ejection
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coronary perfusion pressure. Coronary perfusion pressure is the pressure gradient that drives blood flow through the coronary arteries into the myocardium during diastole when the coronary vascular resistance is reduced. This pressure gradient is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle when it is relaxed and filling with blood. During diastole, the coronary arteries receive blood flow predominantly due to the pressure difference between the aortic diastolic pressure and the pressure in the coronary vasculature.

Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
B: Coronary vascular resistance - This factor is reduced during diastole, allowing for increased blood flow, but it does not directly drive blood flow to the myocardium.
C: Diastolic filling - This refers to the filling of blood into the ventricles of the heart, not specifically the flow of blood through the coronary arteries.
D: Ventricular ejection - This occurs during systole when the ventricles contract