Question

Systolic pressure is higher than diastolic pressure due to

• A. Volume of blood in the heart is greater during systole
• B. Arteries contract during systole
• C. Blood vessels offer resistance to flowing blood during systole
• D. Blood is forced into arteries during systole

Answer 1

The correct option is D Blood is forced into arteries during systole

Blood pressure is the pressure applied on the arteries and veins during the circulation. The instrument used is called a sphygmomanometer and two variables are measured as follows
1. Systolic pressure, which occurs during heart muscle contraction which forces blood into arteries, averages around 120mmHg and is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
2. Diastolic pressure, which occurs during relaxation of the heart muscle, averages around 80 mm Hg.

So, the correct answer is option D.