If venous return increases, what happens to end-diastolic volume (EDV)?

Study for the Cardiovascular System Test. Explore heart anatomy, function, and circulatory pathways with quizzes designed to enhance understanding. Each question includes detailed explanations and hints. Ace your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

If venous return increases, what happens to end-diastolic volume (EDV)?

Explanation:
Increasing venous return means more blood is delivered to the heart during diastole, so the ventricle fills to a higher volume. That resting stretch on the ventricular muscle at the end of filling is the end-diastolic volume. With more blood returning, EDV rises, reflecting greater preload. This extra stretch facilitates a stronger contraction (via the Frank-Starling mechanism), increasing stroke volume. So the end-diastolic volume increases when venous return goes up.

Increasing venous return means more blood is delivered to the heart during diastole, so the ventricle fills to a higher volume. That resting stretch on the ventricular muscle at the end of filling is the end-diastolic volume. With more blood returning, EDV rises, reflecting greater preload. This extra stretch facilitates a stronger contraction (via the Frank-Starling mechanism), increasing stroke volume. So the end-diastolic volume increases when venous return goes up.

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