CDH Paramedic Entrance Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paramedic Entrance Practice Questions and Study Guide

Systole refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body. Specifically, during systole, the ventricles of the heart contract forcefully, creating pressure that ejects blood into the aorta and pulmonary artery. This contraction is essential for maintaining adequate circulation of blood to the organs and tissues.

Understanding the phases of the cardiac cycle is crucial for recognizing how the heart functions as a pump. While diastole is the phase that involves the heart's refilling with blood, systole is specifically the stage where the heart actively works to deliver that blood, hence playing a key role in ensuring that all parts of the body receive the oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood.

Therefore, to grasp the function of systole accurately, it is essential to comprehend its role in creating the necessary force to move blood out of the heart, which is vital for effective cardiovascular function.