Stroke volume

Definition

Stroke volume is the amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle of the heart in one contraction. It is a crucial component of cardiac output and directly influences blood pressure and flow.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stroke volume is typically measured in milliliters (mL) per beat.
2. It can be influenced by factors such as heart contractility, preload (end-diastolic volume), and afterload (resistance).
3. Normal stroke volume for an adult at rest ranges from 60 to 100 mL per beat.
4. Exercise can increase stroke volume due to enhanced heart muscle contractility.
5. Stroke volume is a key determinant of cardiac output, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by heart rate.

Review Questions

• What factors influence stroke volume?
• How does exercise affect stroke volume?
• Why is stroke volume important for cardiac output?

Related terms

Cardiac Output: The total amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute, calculated as stroke volume times heart rate.

Preload: The degree of stretch of the heart muscle before contraction, related to end-diastolic volume.

Afterload: The resistance the left ventricle must overcome to circulate blood, influenced by arterial pressure.