Final answer:
The systolic and diastolic pressures in the pressure-volume loop represent specific points in the cardiac cycle. Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The systolic and diastolic pressures in the pressure-volume loop represent specific points in the cardiac cycle.
The systolic pressure is the higher value and refers to the arterial pressure resulting from the ejection of blood during ventricular contraction, or systole.
The diastolic pressure is the lower value and represents the arterial pressure of blood during ventricular relaxation, or diastole. Pulse pressure, which is calculated by subtracting the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure, represents the difference between these two values.
Example:
If an individual has a systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg, the pulse pressure would be 40 mm Hg.