Question

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the cardiac cycle?

A. As blood flows from the atria into the ventricles, the ventricular pressure rises.
B. After the atria contracts, the ventricles reach their EDV.
C. When the LV contracts, the pressure rises in the ventricles until it overcomes the aortic pressure and it begins ejecting blood into the aorta.
D. Systole is define as when the ventricles begin to relax.

Answer 1

The FALSE statement regarding the cardiac cycle is 'D. Systole is defined as when the ventricles begin to relax.' Systole is actually when the ventricles are contracting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which statement regarding the cardiac cycle is FALSE. Here are the facts to address the given statements:

• As blood flows from the atria into the ventricles, ventricular pressure rises.
• After the atria contracts, the ventricles reach their End Diastolic Volume (EDV).
• When the left ventricle (LV) contracts (ventricular systole), pressure rises in the ventricles until it overcomes the aortic pressure and blood begins ejecting into the aorta.
• Systole is defined as the phase of the cardiac cycle when the ventricles are contracting, not relaxing.

Based on these facts, the FALSE statement is 'D. Systole is defined as when the ventricles begin to relax.' In actuality, systole refers to the period during which the ventricles are contracting, pushing blood out of the heart.