Blood Pressure and Exercise
Recommended for grades 9–12.
Introduction
Constant pressure is required to pump blood through the circulatory system. This ensures the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to and the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from tissues. Positive pressure is created by forceful contraction of the left ventricle of the heart, measured as systole. It is maintained during relaxation of the ventricle by closure of the aortic valve and recoil of arteries, measured as diastole.
Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is a useful measure of the adequacy of tissue perfusion. It is not a simple average of systolic and diastolic blood pressures. This is because diastole continues for twice as long as systole. MAP can be reasonably approximated using the equation:
Objectives
In this experiment, you will
- Obtain graphical representation of blood pressure.
- Compare changes in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures with exercise.
- Use blood pressure readings and pulse to infer changes in cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance with exercise.
Sensors and Equipment
This experiment requires each of the following Vernier sensors and equipment (unless otherwise noted):
Additional Requirements
You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?
Download Experiment Preview
The student-version preview includes:
- Step-by-step instructions for computer-based data collection
- List of materials and equipment
Note: The experiment preview of the computer edition does not include essential teacher information, safety tips, or sample data. Instructions for Logger Pro and other software (such as LabQuest App or TI handheld software, where available) are on the CD that accompanies the book. We strongly recommend that you purchase the book before performing experiments.
Standards Correlations
See all standards correlations for Human Physiology with Vernier »
Included in the Lab Book
Vernier lab books include a CD with word-processing files of the student instructions, essential teacher information, suggested answers, sample data and graphs, and more.