OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What can be said about the sound made by an artificial heart valve?

It's an indication of malfunction
It is completely silent
It produces a regular clicking as it functions
It is louder than natural valves

The correct answer is: It produces a regular clicking as it functions

The sound produced by an artificial heart valve is characterized by a regular clicking noise as it opens and closes during the cardiac cycle. This sound occurs as part of the mechanical action of the valve, which is designed to mimic the function of natural heart valves. Unlike natural valves that may operate silently, mechanical ones are inherently noisier due to their design and construction materials. This clicking sound can serve as a reliable indicator that the valve is functioning properly, ensuring that blood is being directed in the correct manner throughout the heart and circulatory system. While natural valves typically do not produce an audible sound, and some patients with artificial valves may experience variations in loudness depending on various factors, the consistent clicking sound is a hallmark feature of mechanical heart valves as they perform their function.