What is the term for the heart’s contraction phase?

Prepare for the HESI Cardiology Exam. Study with interactive questions and detailed explanations to ensure exam readiness. Boost your confidence for success!

Systole is the term that refers specifically to the contraction phase of the heart, during which the heart's ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart and into the arteries. This phase is crucial for maintaining blood circulation throughout the body.

During systole, the pressure within the ventricles increases, forcing blood through the aortic and pulmonary valves and into the systemic and pulmonary circulation. This process is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing carbon dioxide and waste products.

In contrast, diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, where the heart chambers fill with blood. The cardiac cycle encompasses both systole and diastole as it represents the complete sequence of events in one heartbeat. Arrhythmia pertains to an irregular heartbeat and does not describe a contraction phase. Understanding these terms helps in grasping the overall functioning of the cardiac system.

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