AURICULAR DIASTOLE Meaning and
Definition
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Auricular diastole refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle during which the atria, specifically the left and right atria, relax and expand to allow for the passive filling of blood. It is a critical part of the overall cardiac rhythm and is essential for maintaining normal blood circulation through the heart.
During auricular diastole, the atria, which are the upper chambers of the heart, receive blood flow from the veins that return deoxygenated blood from the body and lungs. As the atria relax, the pressure inside them decreases, causing the atrioventricular (AV) valves to open. This permits blood to flow into the ventricles, which are the lower chambers of the heart.
Auricular diastole occurs after atrial contraction, known as atrial systole, which completes the emptying of blood into the ventricles. Once the atria reach their maximum relaxation phase, they begin to fill with blood again. This filling is passive, occurring due to the ventricular relaxation and pressure difference that propels blood into the atria.
The timing and coordination of auricular diastole is controlled by the electrical impulses within the heart's conduction system, specifically the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the natural pacemaker. This electrical system ensures that the atrial diastole aligns with ventricular diastole and systole appropriately, allowing for effective blood flow and efficient cardiac functioning.
Etymology of AURICULAR DIASTOLE
The word "auricular diastole" is derived from two separate terms, "auricular" and "diastole", each with their own etymology.
1. Auricular:
The term "auricular" comes from the Latin word "auricularis", which means "pertaining to the ear". It is derived from the Latin word "auris", meaning "ear". The word "auris" has Indo-European roots and is related to the Greek word "ous", meaning "ear". In the context of "auricular diastole", "auricular" refers to the left or right atrium of the heart, the two upper chambers responsible for receiving blood.
2. Diastole:
The term "diastole" comes from the Greek word "diastellō", which means "to separate".
