Want to test your physiology knowledge before the RMA exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 154-card physiology section of our 1080-card RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) deck.
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A medical assistant is explaining blood flow to a patient. After blood leaves the right atrium, which valve must it pass through to enter the right ventricle?
Show answer →The Tricuspid Valve (Right Atrioventricular Valve). Blood flows from the Right Atrium through the Tricuspid Valve into the Right Ventricle. Exam Strategy: AMT often tests the specific order of valves. Use the mnemonic TPMA (Toilet Paper My Assets) for the order of flow: Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, Aortic. A common distractor is the Mitral (Bicuspid) valve, which is located on the left side of the heart. Remember: Tri is on the Right (both have 'r').
Which structure is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart, and where is it specifically located?
Show answer →The Sinoatrial (SA) Node, located in the superior wall of the Right Atrium. It initiates the electrical impulse at an intrinsic rate of 60-100 bpm. Clinical Pearl: If the SA node fails, the AV node (40-60 bpm) or Purkinje fibers (20-40 bpm) act as secondary pacemakers. On an EKG, the SA node's depolarization is represented by the P-wave. AMT focuses on the SA node's role in establishing the Sinus Rhythm, which is the baseline for all MA-performed EKGs.
During a phlebotomy procedure, the MA notes the blood entering the tube is bright red and pulsing. Which type of vessel was likely punctured, and what is its physiological role?
Show answer →An Artery. Arteries carry oxygenated blood (with the exception of the pulmonary artery) away from the heart under high pressure, which causes the pulsing and bright red color (high hemoglobin saturation). Exam Tip: Veins carry deoxygenated blood, are darker red/maroon, and lack a pulse because they are a low-pressure system. AMT expects MAs to recognize this for safety and troubleshooting during venipuncture. If an artery is hit, immediate pressure for at least 5 minutes is required.
A patient is diagnosed with pericarditis. Which specific layer of the heart is affected, and what is its primary physiological function?
Show answer →The Pericardium (the outermost sac). It consists of a visceral layer (epicardium) and a parietal layer, with serous fluid in between to reduce friction during heart contractions. Clinical Reasoning: Inflammation (pericarditis) causes friction rub and chest pain. Do not confuse this with the Myocardium (the muscular middle layer responsible for pumping) or the Endocardium (the smooth inner lining that covers the valves). AMT tests the layers to ensure MAs understand the difference between muscular and protective structures.
Which heart valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta, and what is its primary purpose during ventricular systole?
Show answer →The Aortic Semilunar Valve. It opens during ventricular systole (contraction) to allow oxygenated blood to enter the systemic circulation and closes during diastole (relaxation) to prevent blood from flowing backward into the left ventricle. AMT Focus: Understanding when valves open and close in relation to the cardiac cycle. The Lubb sound (S1) is the closure of AV valves, while the Dupp sound (S2) is the closure of the Semilunar valves (Aortic and Pulmonary).
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Try 30 free RMA cards firstThe full RMA deck contains 1080 flashcards, and 154 of them focus on physiology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our RMA deck dedicates 154 of 1080 cards (14%) to physiology — always cross-check the official AMT exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
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