Ventricular diastole

Definition

Ventricular diastole is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles relax and fill with blood from the atria. This phase is crucial for proper cardiac function and occurs between contractions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ventricular diastole is divided into early, middle, and late phases.
2. During ventricular diastole, the atrioventricular (AV) valves are open while the semilunar valves are closed.
3. The relaxation of ventricles during diastole allows for efficient filling of blood from the atria.
4. Diastolic pressure is measured during this phase and represents the minimum arterial pressure.
5. Proper functioning of ventricular diastole is essential for maintaining adequate cardiac output.

Review Questions

• What happens to the AV and semilunar valves during ventricular diastole?
• How does ventricular diastole contribute to cardiac output?
• What are the three phases of ventricular diastole?

Related terms

Atrial Systole: The phase when the atria contract to push blood into the ventricles.

Cardiac Output: The volume of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute.

Systolic Pressure: The maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle.