Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is true regarding the cardiovascular system in a developing fetus?

  1. Blood pressure = stroke volume X heart rate

  2. Left-to-right shunting across the duct is normal in the fetus.

  3. The fetal heart does not start pumping blood until the completion of first trimester.

  4. In a developing fetus, the contractility of the heart is independent of preload and afterload.

  5. The ductus arteriosus can be kept open by the use of certain medicines including indomethacing.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Unlike stroke volume, contractility is independent of preload and afterload and is an innate property of myofibrils. It can be influenced by inotropes (e.g. dobutamine).

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