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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Get ready for the OCR GCSE Biology exam with our comprehensive quiz, featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Understand the exam format, key topics, and effective study strategies to excel.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Why might an artificial heart valve produce a clicking noise?

Due to improper installation
Because of the materials used in construction
As a result of blood flow turbulence
Because the valve closes regularly

The correct answer is: Because the valve closes regularly

An artificial heart valve may produce a clicking noise primarily due to the regular mechanism of valve closure. When the valve shuts, it can create a sound that resembles a click, as the materials used in the valve move against each other or against the surrounding tissue. This is particularly noticeable with mechanical valves, which are designed to close tightly and efficiently to prevent backflow of blood. The noise is often an indication that the valve is functioning correctly and completing its cycle of opening and closing as needed. The clicking sound is a characteristic feature of many mechanical heart valves, which are designed to mimic the natural functioning of biological valves. Therefore, the regular closing of the valve contributes directly to this auditory phenomenon, making it not only a common occurrence but also a sign of the proper function of the valve within the circulatory system.