Pulsatile flow
Pulsatile Flow
Pulsatile flow (pronunciation: /pʌl'saɪtəl floʊ/) is a type of fluid flow that changes over time, often in a rhythmic or cyclic fashion. It is a key concept in the field of hemodynamics, the study of blood flow in the body.
Etymology
The term "pulsatile" comes from the Latin word "pulsare", which means "to beat". This is a reference to the beating of the heart, which creates a pulsatile flow of blood.
Definition
In physiology, pulsatile flow refers to the characteristic rhythmic, pulsating flow of blood in the arteries due to the cyclic contraction and relaxation of the heart's left ventricle. This type of flow is characterized by a rapid acceleration of fluid followed by a slower deceleration, creating a waveform that can be measured and analyzed.
Related Terms
- Hemodynamics: The study of blood flow or the circulation.
- Blood Pressure: The pressure of the blood in the circulatory system, often measured for diagnosis since it is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat and the diameter and elasticity of the arterial walls.
- Cardiac Cycle: The sequence of events that occur when the heart beats.
- Ventricular Contraction: The phase of the cardiac cycle in which the ventricles contract (squeeze), pumping blood into the arteries.
- Arteries: The blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pulsatile flow
- Wikipedia's article - Pulsatile flow
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