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

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What is the purpose of a heart bypass procedure?

To replace the entire heart
To attach cells from elsewhere in the body to replace dead heart cells
To repair damaged valves in the heart
To install an artificial pacemaker

The correct answer is: To attach cells from elsewhere in the body to replace dead heart cells

The heart bypass procedure, also known as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), serves the purpose of creating a new pathway for blood to flow to the heart when the coronary arteries are blocked or narrowed. This is done by grafting blood vessels from another part of the body (such as a vein from the leg or an artery from the chest) to bypass the obstructions in the coronary arteries. The result is improved blood flow to heart muscle, which can alleviate symptoms of angina (chest pain) and lower the risk of heart attacks. While the heart bypass procedure involves strategies for addressing issues related to blood flow, it does not focus on replacing dead heart cells directly or involving any mechanisms to install a pacemaker or repair valves. Other surgical procedures are designated for valve repair or replacement, and artificial pacemakers are specifically used for managing issues related to heart rhythm rather than restoring blood flow through bypassing arteries. Thus, understanding the specific intent and technique of a heart bypass clarifies its role in cardiac surgery.