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Last Update: 01/29/2025 02:36 PM

Current Deck: PHYSIOLOGY::exam one

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What is the effect of increased contractility?

Basic answer: When contractility is increased, the ventricle can develop greater tension and pressure during systole, so more of the blood in the ventricle is pumped out

Contractility refers to the ability of myocardial fibers to develop tension, or “contract”.  As we discussed, this is a function of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which dictates how many cross-bridges cycle.  When contractility is increased, the ventricle can develop greater tension and pressure during systole, so more of the blood in the ventricle is pumped out: increased stroke volume, decreased end-systolic volume (ejection fraction increased).