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ICSE Question Bank
2023Q8(v)(a)The Circulatory System
Short answerModerate1 mark
8(v)

The diagram below depicts the human heart in one of its phases. Answer the questions that follow.

Figure for this question

Which part of the heart is in the contraction phase?

Topic: Ventricular systole

Previous-year question practice database

Answer

Exam answer

The VENTRICLES (the heart is in VENTRICULAR SYSTOLE).

Explanation

SYSTOLE means contraction and DIASTOLE means relaxation, so "ventricular systole" names both the chamber and the phase.

HOW TO READ IT FROM THE DIAGRAM: in ventricular systole the ATRIOVENTRICULAR valves are SHUT (to stop blood returning to the atria) and the SEMILUNAR valves are OPEN (letting blood out into the aorta and pulmonary artery). The arrows show blood leaving the ventricles.

The one rule that decides every valve question: blood moves from high pressure to low, and a valve simply opens in the direction of flow and closes against it. Work out where the pressure is highest and the rest follows.

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