Question

Clinically, the term blood pressure usually refers to

A) arteriovenous pressure.

B) pulse pressure.

C) capillary hydrostatic pressure.

D) peripheral pressure.

E) arterial pressure

Answer 1

Blood pressure typically refers to arterial pressure, which is the pressure of blood in the arteries measured as a systolic over diastolic ratio, like 120/80 mm Hg. The systolic pressure indicates pressure during heart contraction, and the diastolic pressure during heart relaxation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Clinically, the term blood pressure usually refers to arterial pressure, which is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is often measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is obtained using the brachial artery of the arm. It is recorded as a ratio of two numbers: the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure. For instance, a normal adult blood pressure reading might be 120/80 mm Hg. The systolic pressure is the higher number and reflects the arterial pressure during ventricular contraction, or systole. The diastolic pressure is the lower number and represents the arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation, or diastole.