National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per beat called?

1. Tidal volume

2. Stroke volume

3. Cardiac output

4. Ejection volume

The correct answer is: Stroke volume

The amount of blood pumped by the heart per beat is termed stroke volume. Stroke volume specifically refers to the volume of blood ejected from one of the ventricles of the heart with each contraction. It is a crucial physiological parameter that reflects the efficiency of the heart's pumping action and is typically measured in milliliters. Understanding stroke volume is key in evaluating cardiovascular health, as it directly impacts cardiac output, which is the product of stroke volume and heart rate. While terms like ejection volume and cardiac output may seem related, they refer to different concepts. Ejection volume is not a standard term used in physiology, and tidal volume pertains to the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing, making them irrelevant in the context of blood pumping. Recognizing stroke volume's importance helps in assessing heart function, especially in clinical settings or fitness evaluations, providing insights into an individual’s cardiovascular capacity and potential heart conditions.