All of the following hemodynamic events occur during ventricular systole EXCEPT:
A. The second heart sound (S2) is produced by closure of the semilunar valves at the end of systole
B. Atrial pressure rises progressively as the atria fill from the pulmonary and systemic veins
C. Ventricular volume decreases due to ejection of stroke volume into the aorta
D. The atrioventricular valves open and blood flows passively from atria into ventricles
Explanation
Hemodynamic Events During Ventricular Systole
Definition of Ventricular Systole
Key Point
Ventricular systole spans from the closure of the atrioventricular (AV) valves (mitral and tricuspid) to the closure of the semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary). During this entire period, the AV valves are CLOSED and the ventricles are contracting.
Timeline of Systole
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Correct Events During Systole (Options 0, 1, 2)
Table
Event
Mechanism
Timing
S2 production
Aortic and pulmonary valve closure
End of systole
Ventricular volume ↓
Ejection of stroke volume (~70 mL)
Throughout ejection phase
Atrial pressure ↑
Atria fill from pulmonary veins and SVC/IVC
Throughout systole (AV valves closed)
High-YieldNEET PG
The atria fill during ventricular systole because the AV valves are closed. Atrial pressure rises progressively as blood accumulates from the venous system. This is why the atrial pressure tracing shows a gradual rise during the ventricular systole phase of the cardiac cycle.
Why Option 3 Is Wrong
Clinical Pearl
AV valve opening occurs during ventricular diastole, not systole. Specifically:
The mitral valve opens when LV pressure falls below LA pressure (early diastole)
Passive filling occurs during the rapid filling phase of diastole
During systole, the AV valves are firmly closed to prevent backflow
This is a fundamental timing error — the AV valves are the defining boundary of systole. If they were open, it would be diastole.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 21e Ch 297
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