The diagram below depicts the human heart in one of its phases. Answer the questions that follow.
Distinguish between Systole and Diastole.
Topic: Systole and diastole
Answer
SYSTOLE is the CONTRACTION phase of the heart muscle, during which blood is PUMPED OUT of a chamber. The pressure inside rises.
DIASTOLE is the RELAXATION phase, during which the chamber FILLS with blood. The pressure inside falls.
Answer in a table; ICSE gives marks for differences stated as matched pairs.
The two words are worth fixing by meaning: SYSTOLE = squeeze (contraction), DIASTOLE = dilate (relaxation).
THE PRACTICAL LINK worth adding: a blood pressure reading of 120/80 is exactly these two figures — the SYSTOLIC pressure when the ventricles contract, and the DIASTOLIC pressure when they relax. That single connection makes both terms impossible to forget and shows the examiner you understand what the numbers on a doctor’s machine mean.
| Point of difference | Systole | Diastole |
|---|---|---|
| State of muscle | Contracting | Relaxing |
| Effect on blood | Blood is pumped OUT of the chamber | The chamber FILLS with blood |
| Pressure | Rises | Falls |
| Blood pressure reading | The higher figure (about 120 mm Hg) | The lower figure (about 80 mm Hg) |