The Cardiac Cycle

Question 1

Why is the Left side of the heart thicker?

Answer 1

Because it has to push blood further around the body and under higher pressure.

Question 2

What are the stages of the Cardiac Cycle?

Answer 2

1) Blood enters heart simultaneously.
2) Atria contract, pushing blood into the ventricles.
3) The ventricles contract, pushing the tri and bi cuspid valve shut.
4) The Pulmonary valves are forced open by the blood and as the ventricles relax, the valves snap shut.

Question 3

What is ‘Systole’ and ‘Diastole’?

Answer 3

Systole is when the ventricles contract.

Diastole is when the ventricles relax and and the atria full up with blood.