Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test 2025 - Free Anatomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

The term that refers to the volume of blood ejected from the ventricle during each heartbeat is stroke volume. Stroke volume is a key parameter in cardiac function, representing the amount of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction. It is a critical component of cardiac output, which is the total volume of blood the heart pumps in a minute, influencing overall circulation and tissue perfusion.

Understanding stroke volume is essential when analyzing how the heart operates, as it directly affects the efficiency of the cardiovascular system. For instance, changes in stroke volume can occur due to factors like preload, afterload, and contractility, showcasing the heart's ability to adapt to varying physiological demands.

Other terms listed have distinct meanings. Cardiac output measures the overall volume of blood flowing from the heart per minute, which is calculated by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate. Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels, and end diastolic volume is the volume of blood in the ventricle at the end of filling (diastole), prior to contraction. Recognizing these definitions helps strengthen the understanding of cardiovascular dynamics and the importance of stroke volume in maintaining effective circulation.