Pronunciation: [sˈɪstə͡ʊlz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Systoles" is a bit tricky. It's pronounced /ˈsɪstəliːz/ and refers to the contraction of the heart's chambers during a heartbeat. The plural of "systole" can be written using either -s or -es, but the latter is more common. In IPA phonetic transcription, it's written as "sɪstəliːz" which indicates the stress on the second syllable and the addition of the -z sound at the end of the word.
Systoles refers to the plural form of the term "systole." Systole is a medical and physiological term used to describe the contraction phase of the cardiac cycle in which the heart muscle contracts, squeezing the blood out of the chambers and into the blood vessels. It is one of the two main phases of the cardiac cycle, the other being diastole.
During systole, the heart muscles contract forcefully, causing the ventricles to narrow and push the blood out. This contraction leads to an increase in blood pressure, as the blood is forced through the arteries to reach different parts of the body. The contraction of the atria also occurs during systole, aiding in the complete filling of the ventricles before they contract.
Systoles are measured as part of the blood pressure reading and are typically expressed as two numbers, such as 120/80, with the first number denoting the systolic pressure. Abnormalities in systoles can indicate various heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, due to the increased force exerted during contractions.
Overall, systoles play a crucial role in maintaining circulatory function, facilitating the efficient distribution of oxygenated blood to the body's tissues and organs.
The word "systoles" has its origins in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "systolḗ" (συστολή), which means "contraction". It is derived from the verb "syntéllō" (συντέλλω), meaning "to contract or compress". In medical terminology, the term "systole" refers specifically to the phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.
