ASVAB Practice Test

In the passage, the author’s main purpose in describing the mitral valve’s function is to:

1. Discuss medical techniques to repair the mitral valve

2. Convince readers of the stress on the mitral valve

3. Argue that the mitral valve is the most important part of the heart

4. Explain how blood circulates in the body

The correct answer is: Convince readers of the stress on the mitral valve

The correct answer focuses on the author's intention to highlight the significance of the mitral valve's function in the context of heart mechanics. By describing how the mitral valve operates, the author points out the complexity and the high demands placed on this specific heart structure during the cardiac cycle. This approach effectively illustrates the pressures and potential issues the mitral valve experiences, which can help readers understand its vital role in ensuring proper blood flow and overall heart health. In contrast, discussing medical techniques for repairing the mitral valve is a more specialized topic that doesn't align with illustrating its function. Arguing about the importance of the mitral valve as the most crucial part of the heart shifts the focus from its functional description to a subjective evaluation, which may not be the author's primary aim. Lastly, while explaining how blood circulates in the body encompasses broader cardiovascular topics, it doesn't specifically capture the focus on the mitral valve’s function that the author is addressing.