1.2.5

Cardiac Cycle

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Systole and Diastole

Systole is the process of contracting and pumping out blood. Diastole is the process of relaxing and filling up with blood. The heart beats in 2 phases, both of which involve systole and diastole:

Illustrative background for Stage 1: atrial systole and ventricular diastoleIllustrative background for Stage 1: atrial systole and ventricular diastole ?? "content

Stage 1: atrial systole and ventricular diastole

  • Firstly, the atria contract together and pump out blood (atrial systole) into the ventricles.
  • While this happens, the ventricles relax and fill with blood (ventricular diastole).
Illustrative background for Stage 2: ventricular systole and atrial diastoleIllustrative background for Stage 2: ventricular systole and atrial diastole ?? "content

Stage 2: ventricular systole and atrial diastole

  • Secondly, the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart (ventricular systole).
  • While this happens, the atria relax and fill with blood (atrial diastole).

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1Applied Anatomy & Physiology

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3Physical Training

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8Health & Fitness

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