College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

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What does the S2 heart sound signify?

  1. Closure of the AV valve

  2. Closure of the semilunar valve

  3. Diastole beginning

  4. Atrial contraction

The correct answer is: Closure of the semilunar valve

The S2 heart sound is primarily associated with the closure of the semilunar valves, which include the aortic and pulmonary valves. This sound occurs at the end of ventricular systole, just before the heart enters diastole. The closure of these valves marks the end of blood ejection from the ventricles into the aorta and pulmonary artery, allowing for the beginning of the heart's relaxation phase. This sound is distinct from the S1 heart sound, which is generated by the closure of the atrioventricular (AV) valves (tricuspid and mitral). Understanding the sequence of heart sounds, as well as their timing in relation to the cardiac cycle, is crucial for appreciating cardiovascular function. The S2 sound thus signals an important transition in the cardiac cycle, indicating not only the completion of systole but also the preparation for the heart's filling phase during diastole.