Question

What is the definition of blood pressure?

A) The pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries
B) The volume of blood in the circulatory system
C) The speed at which blood flows through the veins
D) The amount of oxygen in the bloodstream

Answer 1

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood exerted on the artery walls, with systolic pressure during heart contraction and diastolic pressure between heartbeats, optimally at 120/80 mmHg respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The definition of blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries (Option A). Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: the systolic and diastolic pressures. Systolic blood pressure represents the force exerted when the heart contracts and pumps blood, which is optimal at 120 mmHg. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the vessels between heartbeats, with an optimal value of 80 mmHg. Factors like hormones, stress, exercise, and the action of smooth muscle affect blood pressure levels.