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Why does the left ventricle generate a higher pressure than the right during ejection?
AIt pumps a larger stroke volume
BIt contracts for a longer time
CExisting aortic pressure is much higher
DIt holds a bigger end diastolic volume
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Existing aortic pressure is much higher
1. In the ejection phase each ventricle must beat the pressure in the vessel ahead of it.
2. Left ventricular pressure runs appreciably higher because existing aortic pressure is so much higher.
3. Both ventricles nevertheless pump the same amount of blood, so volume is not the reason.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 19 "The Cardiovascular System: The Heart", section 19.3 | Cardiac Cycle_
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