In: Anatomy and Physiology
Which of the following statements about cardiac anatomy is CORRECT:
A. Papillary muscles contract to open the AV valves.
B. Cardiac cells in the SA node are functionally coupled by chemical synapses.
C. The heart does not have its own arteries, capillaries, and veins because it obtains vital substances from the blood that is being pumped through it.
D. The volume of the left ventricle is equal to the volume of the right ventricle.
*Option D is the correct answer, please explain why choice D is correct, and why choice A is incorrect! Thank you!
The volumes of left and right ventricles are always equal, despite differences in size, shape and function. Right ventricle pumps blood to lungs while let ventricle supplies blood to rest of body. Blood circulation is a closed loop. These equal volumes pumped by both ventricles are required to be equal to maintain equilibrium of the cardiac output. If the volumes are not equalized, excess blood from right ventricle will have to be pooled in the lungs. This will lead to issues such as shortness of breath, fatigue and heart issues.
Papillary muscles are muscles that project into lumen of the ventricles of heart and are attached to AV cusps. These muscles will contract in response to myocardial contraction. Contraction of papillary muscle will cause the AV valves to close during systole. This prevents the prolapse of the AV valves and prevents the backflow of blood into atria. Thus, they do not open the AV valves.
Sinoatrial node has the pacemaker cells that generate spontaneous action potential. They send signals to the AV node. They are electrically couples oscillators and are not coupled to chemical synapses, where neurotransmitters are involved.
The Aorta branches to form the coronary arteries that supplies blood to heart via smaller arteries. These coronary arteries provide nutrition to the heart. Superior and inferior vena capa carry blood to the heart.
Right choice: D. The volume of the left ventricle is equal to the volume of the right ventricle.