Question

Approximately how much of the ventricle is filled with blood BEFORE the atria
contract?

Before the atria contract, the ventricle is typically filled with about 70-80% of its capacity. This filling occurs during diastole, where the ventricles relax and blood flows in from the atria. The contraction of the atria then adds a little more blood to the already filled ventricles, increasing the volume before the heart pumps it out.

The efficient timing of heart contractions is crucial for maintaining blood flow. If the atria contract too early or too late, it can lead to inefficient filling or emptying of the ventricles, potentially compromising heart function. This demonstrates how synchronized contractions are vital for the heart’s performance!