The force with which the blood is pushing against the arterial walls when the ventricles are contracting is called:
- A. pulse pressure.
- B. pressure gradient.
- C. systolic pressure.
- D. diastolic pressure.
The correct answer is C. systolic pressure.
Here's why the other options are not correct:
A. Pulse pressure:
This is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure and doesn't represent the pressure during ventricular contraction alone.
B. Pressure gradient:
This is a broader term that can refer to any difference in pressure between two points, not necessarily related to the cardiovascular system.
D. Diastolic pressure:
This is the pressure in the arteries when the ventricles are relaxed, not contracting.
Systolic pressure is the highest pressure reached in the arteries during ventricular contraction. It reflects the force with which the heart is pushing blood into the circulatory system. This pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is typically around 120 mmHg in healthy adults.
Therefore, considering the specific function of measuring the pressure during ventricular contraction, systolic pressure is the most accurate answer.
