Systole refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart muscle contracts, pumping blood out of the chambers and into the arteries. This process is crucial for maintaining circulation throughout the body, as it ensures that oxygen-rich blood is delivered to tissues while deoxygenated blood is sent to the lungs for reoxygenation. Systole is characterized by increased pressure within the heart chambers, which is essential for effective blood flow and is closely linked to the generation of heart sounds during this phase.
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