If the EDV were held constant, what could accomplish increased stroke volume
A)increased sympathetic nerve activity to the heart
B)increased parasympathetic nerve activity to the heart
C)decreased contractility
D)increased arterial blood pressure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased sympathetic nerve activity to the heart would increase contractility of the heart muscle, allowing for a more forceful contraction and therefore an increased stroke volume.

Answer: C 
 Decreased contractility would decrease the amount of blood that can be ejected from the heart with each beat, resulting in a decreased stroke volume.

Answer: D 
 Increased arterial blood pressure would mean the heart has to work harder to overcome the pressure in the arteries to get blood out, which would result in a more forceful contraction and therefore an increased stroke volume.

Answer: B 
 Increased parasympathetic nerve activity to the heart would cause a decrease in heart rate and therefore decrease stroke volume, so this choice would not accomplish an increased stroke volume if EDV were held constant.

If the EDV Were Held Constant, What Could Accomplish Increased