Lesson 4.2 The Heart at Work - Key Terms

Question 1

Heart Rate

Answer 1

A measure of cardiac activity usually expressed as the number of beats per minute.

Question 2

Blood Pressure

Answer 2

Pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels, especially arteries, usually measured by means of a sphygmomanometer and expressed in millimeters of mercury.

Question 3

Systolic Pressure

Answer 3

The pressure generated by the left ventricle during systole.

Question 4

Diastolic Pressure

Answer 4

Blood pressure that remains between heart contractions.

Question 5

Sphygmomanometer

Answer 5

An instrument for measuring blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure.

Question 6

Hypertension

Answer 6

An abnormally high blood pressure.

Question 7

Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Answer 7

A measurement of heart electrical activity.

Question 8

Pulse

Answer 8

The rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries resulting from heart contraction; can be felt from the outside of the body.

Question 9

Cardiology

Answer 9

The study of the heart and its action and diseases.