Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

18. The Heart

Cardiac Cycle

Anatomy & Physiology

18. The Heart

Cardiac Cycle

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following would decrease stroke volume?

Increased contractility

Increased afterload

Increased preload

Decreased heart rate

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of stroke volume, which is the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction.

Identify the factors that influence stroke volume: preload, afterload, and contractility.

Preload refers to the initial stretching of the cardiac myocytes prior to contraction, which is related to the volume of blood returning to the heart. Increased preload generally increases stroke volume.

Contractility is the intrinsic ability of cardiac muscle fibers to contract at a given fiber length. Increased contractility enhances stroke volume.

Afterload is the pressure the heart must work against to eject blood during systole. Increased afterload decreases stroke volume because the heart has to work harder to overcome the higher pressure.