A Levels Biology (9700)•9700/13/M/J/24

Explanation
Atrial systole marks the end of ventricular diastole with a brief atrial contraction.
Steps:
- Identify cardiac cycle phases: atrial systole follows ventricular filling and precedes ventricular systole.
- Locate pressure traces: atrial pressure rises sharply while ventricular pressure shows a minor increase.
- Match arrow to timing: atrial systole aligns with the 'a' wave or small atrial peak before isovolumetric contraction.
- Confirm against cycles: arrow B points to this consistent feature across both cycles.
Why B is correct:
- Atrial systole is defined as atrial contraction that boosts ventricular end-diastolic volume, shown by a distinct atrial pressure spike per standard Wiggers diagram.
Why the others are wrong:
- A indicates ventricular diastole onset, with falling pressures.
- C marks ventricular systole start, with rapid ventricular pressure rise.
- D shows ventricular relaxation or early diastole, with declining pressures.
Final answer: B
Topic: The heart
Practice more A Levels Biology (9700) questions on mMCQ.me