Which term describes the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle?

The term that describes the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle is diastole. During diastole, the heart muscles relax after contraction, allowing the chambers of the heart to fill with blood. This phase is crucial for ensuring that both the atria and ventricles are adequately filled before the subsequent contraction.

In contrast, the term systole refers to the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle, where the heart pumps blood out of the chambers. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that occurs when the heart stops beating effectively, leading to a cessation of blood circulation. Repolarization is a term typically used in the context of the electrical activity of cardiac cells, specifically regarding the recovery phase after depolarization during an action potential, and does not directly relate to the phases of the cardiac cycle.

Understanding the distinction between these terms and their roles in cardiac function is essential for interpreting heart rhythms and recognizing the importance of each phase in maintaining effective circulation.