The Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Question 2 • High School Physical Education Morris 2026

What is the significance of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading?

Answer

The first number represents when the heart beats, and the second number is when the heart rests.

The first number shows how much blood the heart pumps, while the second number shows how fast the blood travels.

The first number indicates the heart's temperature, while the second number represents the heart's oxygen level.

The first number reflects the number of heartbeats per minute, and the second number reflects the number of breaths per minute.

Explanation

The first, or top, number is systolic pressure: the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood. The second, or bottom, number is diastolic pressure: the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Therefore, choice A correctly describes when each number is measured.

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