Physiology · Cardiovascular System · Medium

Afterload

Meaning: The resistance the ventricle must overcome to eject blood during contraction.

In practice: Vasodilators reduce afterload and make it easier for a failing heart to pump.

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Two questions on related physiology words.

Which word means: The tendency of a tissue such as the lung to recoil to its original shape after stretching.

Which word means: The degree of stretch of the ventricular muscle at the end of filling, before contraction.

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