What does the cardiac cycle encompass?

The cardiac cycle encompasses both the contraction and relaxation phases of the heart. This process is crucial for understanding how the heart functions effectively to pump blood throughout the body.

During the contraction phase, known as systole, the heart muscle contracts, leading to the ejection of blood from the chambers into the arteries. This is followed by the relaxation phase, called diastole, where the heart muscle relaxes, allowing the chambers to fill with blood again. The coordinated sequence of these two phases ensures that the heart operates efficiently, maintaining circulation and providing oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues.

Understanding the full scope of the cardiac cycle, including both systole and diastole, is essential for medical professionals to effectively assess heart function and diagnose any possible cardiac conditions. This knowledge also aids in understanding the physiological responses to exercise and stress, which can impact heart rate and blood pressure.