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Physiology · USMLE Step 1 · Healthcare and Nursing

USMLE Physiology: Cardiac Cycle and Hemodynamics

Cardiac cycle phases, pressure-volume loops, and baroreceptor reflex mechanisms tested on USMLE Step 1.

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36 basic cards for USMLE Step 1 Physiology. Set 2 of 9 in USMLE Physiology. It opens with "What event marks the beginning of isovolumetric contraction in the cardiac" and "Why is isovolumetric contraction called 'isovolumetric'?". Study it alongside the other USMLE Step 1 sets below.

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What event marks the beginning of isovolumetric contraction in the cardiac cycle?
Show answerClosure of the mitral (and tricuspid) valve, marked by the first heart sound (S1)
Why is isovolumetric contraction called 'isovolumetric'?
Show answerVentricular volume stays constant because both the atrioventricular and semilunar valves are closed while pressure rises
What event ends isovolumetric contraction and begins ventricular ejection?
Show answerOpening of the aortic (and pulmonic) valve, when ventricular pressure exceeds aortic pressure
What event marks the beginning of isovolumetric relaxation?
Show answerClosure of the aortic (and pulmonic) valve, marked by the second heart sound (S2)
Why is isovolumetric relaxation called 'isovolumetric'?
Show answerVentricular volume stays constant because both the semilunar and atrioventricular valves are closed while pressure falls
What event ends isovolumetric relaxation and begins rapid ventricular filling?
Show answerOpening of the mitral (and tricuspid) valve, when atrial pressure exceeds ventricular pressure
What heart sound, when present, corresponds to rapid ventricular filling and is often a normal finding in children?
Show answerThe third heart sound (S3)
What heart sound corresponds to atrial contraction (the atrial 'kick') late in diastole?
Show answerThe fourth heart sound (S4)
What is the a wave on the jugular venous pulse (or atrial pressure tracing) caused by?
Show answerAtrial contraction
What is the c wave on the jugular venous pulse caused by?
Show answerBulging of the tricuspid valve into the right atrium during isovolumetric ventricular contraction
What is the v wave on the jugular venous pulse caused by?
Show answerAtrial filling against a closed tricuspid valve during ventricular systole
What is the x descent on the jugular venous pulse caused by?
Show answerAtrial relaxation and downward pulling of the tricuspid valve during ventricular systole
What is the y descent on the jugular venous pulse caused by?
Show answerOpening of the tricuspid valve and rapid early ventricular filling
What does the width of a pressure-volume loop along the x-axis represent?
Show answerStroke volume
What does the area enclosed within a pressure-volume loop represent?
Show answerStroke work performed by the ventricle

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