Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which event occurs first during atrial and ventricular diastole?
A
The ventricles contract
B
The atrioventricular (AV) valves open
C
The semilunar valves open
D
The atria contract
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the terms 'diastole' and 'systole': Diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart chambers, during which they fill with blood, while systole refers to the contraction phase, during which blood is pumped out.
Focus on atrial and ventricular diastole: During this phase, both the atria and ventricles are relaxed, allowing blood to flow into the heart chambers.
Identify the role of the atrioventricular (AV) valves: These valves (tricuspid and mitral) open during diastole to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles. This is one of the first events during diastole.
Understand why the semilunar valves remain closed: The semilunar valves (pulmonary and aortic) are closed during diastole to prevent backflow of blood from the arteries into the ventricles.
Clarify the sequence of events: The atrioventricular (AV) valves opening is the first event during atrial and ventricular diastole, followed by passive filling of the ventricles. The atria contract later to push additional blood into the ventricles.