Final answer:
The purpose of the compensatory pause after an extrasystole is to allow for proper filling of the ventricles before the next normal heartbeat.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the compensatory pause after an extrasystole is to allow for proper filling of the ventricles before the next normal heartbeat. An extrasystole is an abnormal heart contraction that occurs earlier than expected, and it disrupts the normal rhythm of the heart. The compensatory pause provides a brief period of rest, allowing the atria to empty their contents into the ventricles and ensuring that the ventricles are adequately filled before the next contraction.