Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 19 - Section 19.6 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 740: 1

Answer

Cardiac Output (CO) is a crucial physiological parameter that measures the amount of blood pumped by the heart per unit of time, typically expressed in liters per minute (L/min). It reflects the overall effectiveness of the heart in delivering oxygen and nutrients to various tissues and organs in the body. Cardiac Output (CO) can be calculated using the formula: \[ CO = \text{Heart Rate (HR)} \times \text{Stroke Volume (SV)} \] Where: - Heart Rate (HR) is the number of heartbeats per minute. - Stroke Volume (SV) is the volume of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle with each contraction (beat). In other words, cardiac output is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, representing the total amount of blood pumped out of the heart in one minute. A typical healthy value for cardiac output at rest for an average adult is around 4 to 8 liters per minute. However, this value can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, physical fitness, body size, and activity level. During strenuous exercise or moments of increased demand, cardiac output can significantly increase to meet the body's higher oxygen and nutrient requirements. It's important to note that cardiac output is a dynamic parameter that can change rapidly in response to various physiological conditions. For instance, during exercise or times of stress, both heart rate and stroke volume can increase, leading to a higher cardiac output to meet the increased metabolic demands of the body.

Work Step by Step

Cardiac Output (CO) is a crucial physiological parameter that measures the amount of blood pumped by the heart per unit of time, typically expressed in liters per minute (L/min). It reflects the overall effectiveness of the heart in delivering oxygen and nutrients to various tissues and organs in the body. Cardiac Output (CO) can be calculated using the formula: \[ CO = \text{Heart Rate (HR)} \times \text{Stroke Volume (SV)} \] Where: - Heart Rate (HR) is the number of heartbeats per minute. - Stroke Volume (SV) is the volume of blood ejected from the heart's left ventricle with each contraction (beat). In other words, cardiac output is the product of heart rate and stroke volume, representing the total amount of blood pumped out of the heart in one minute. A typical healthy value for cardiac output at rest for an average adult is around 4 to 8 liters per minute. However, this value can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, physical fitness, body size, and activity level. During strenuous exercise or moments of increased demand, cardiac output can significantly increase to meet the body's higher oxygen and nutrient requirements. It's important to note that cardiac output is a dynamic parameter that can change rapidly in response to various physiological conditions. For instance, during exercise or times of stress, both heart rate and stroke volume can increase, leading to a higher cardiac output to meet the increased metabolic demands of the body.
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