OMK20 – Week 23 Q&A | 100+ Questions | Cardiac Output, Venous Return, CVP, Genetics, Exercise

This document features 100+ high-yield questions and answers from the OMK20 module (Week 23 PLO/RAT/LO) at a Medical University, tailored for the 2025/2026 academic year. It integrates foundational cardiovascular physiology with clinical applications, alongside key genetic and population biology concepts. The content is organized around detailed explanations, formulas, and physiological curves, ideal for system-based assessments and readiness evaluations. Cardiovascular physiology topics include: Determinants of cardiac output (CO): Heart rate, contractility, preload, and afterload and their influence on CO through stretch-force development and coupling mechanisms. Venous return and cardiac output relationship: Steady-state balance, pressure gradients, and the equation VR = (Pv – Pra) / R are explained in depth. Distribution of blood between arterial and venous circulation at rest and how it shifts with increased cardiac output. Pressure systems: CVP (central venous pressure), peripheral venous pressure (Pv), mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP), and cardiac index are defined with clinical and mathematical context. Cardiac and vascular function curves: Explains the inverse vs direct relationships between CO and RAP across different contexts. Physiological adaptations: Changes in cardiovascular regulation during acute dynamic exercise and pregnancy. Fick principle: Used to estimate myocardial oxygen consumption in coronary blood flow regulation. Genetics & population biology concepts include: Types and sources of genetic mutations: Point mutations, polymorphisms (SNPs, STRPs, VNTRs), and DNA damage from environmental causes (e.g., UV radiation). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium: Assumptions, equation components (p², 2pq, q²), and applications in calculating allele and disease frequencies. Genome vs exome definitions: Coding (exons) and noncoding DNA, implications for genetic testing strategies like whole genome vs exome sequencing. Population genetics & disease risk: Effects of genetic drift, selective pressure, genetic lethality, ancestry, and background on gene frequencies and phenotype prediction. Ethical aspects of DNA testing: Interpretation challenges and clinical application of sequencing results. This document is excellent for both preclinical and integrated medical science assessments, providing clinical insight while reinforcing theoretical concepts. Best suited for students in: Medicine (MD/MBBS) Pharmacy (PharmD) Biomedical Sciences Physician Associate (PA) Nursing (BSc Nursing) Genetics & Molecular Biology Relevant courses: Cardiovascular Physiology Medical Genetics Exercise Physiology Clinical Pathophysiology Systems-Based Medical Modules (OMK-style) Keywords: cardiac output, preload, afterload, contractility, venous return, CVP, RAP, Pv, MSFP, cardiac index, vascular function curves, Bainbridge reflex, Fick equation, coronary flow, dynamic exercise, pregnancy physiology, genetic variation, SNP, STRP, VNTR, Hardy-Weinberg, allele frequency, genome, exome, DNA sequencing, genetic drift, ancestry, mutation types, population genetics