Systemic Arterial Pressure in an Adult at the Entrance to the Aorta

Question

Systemic arterial pressure in an adult at the entrance to the aorta averages
A) 18 mmHg.
B) 35 mmHg.
C) 80 mmHg.
D) 120 mmHg.
E) 93 mmHg.

Accepted Answer

The systemic arterial pressure in an adult at the entrance to the aorta averages around 120 mmHg, which represents the peak pressure generated during ventricular systole (contraction) and is known as the systolic pressure. This pressure then gradually drops during ventricular diastole (relaxation) to around 80 mmHg, which is the diastolic pressure. These two pressures are used to determine blood pressure, such as 120/80 mmHg.