Which of the Following Describes Starling's Law of the Heart

Question

Which of the following describes Starling's law of the heart?
A) An increase in venous return to the ventricles causes an increase in cardiac output.
B) An increase in preload increases cardiac output.
C) A decrease in preload decreases cardiac output.
D) All of the above are true.

Accepted Answer

Starling's law of the heart states that an increase in venous return to the ventricles (preload) causes an increase in cardiac output. Therefore, B is true. Conversely, a decrease in preload would result in a decrease in cardiac output, making C true as well. Therefore, all of the above are correct, making D the best choice.