Final answer:
Stroke volume is the quantity of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each heartbeat, normally ranging from 70-80 milliliters. It is a key factor in determining cardiac output and regulating blood pressure and is used to calculate the ejection fraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stroke volume (SV) is the volume of blood that is pumped out of the heart's left ventricle with each beat during the ventricular ejection phase.
Normal stroke volume is typically between 70 and 80 milliliters per beat. It is a crucial component when calculating cardiac output, which is the total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.
Cardiac output is determined by the equation CO = HR (heart rate) × SV. Furthermore, stroke volume can influence blood pressure and blood flow, being affected by many factors such as heart strength, speed of circulation, and hormonal changes.
Stroke volume is essential for blood pressure regulation as well. An increase in SV results in greater blood discharge during each cardiac cycle, contributing to maintaining adequate blood pressure.
Additionally, stroke volume values are used for calculating the ejection fraction, representing the portion of blood ejected from the heart with each contraction and is usually expressed as a percentage.