EXS 212 Lab 3: Heart Sounds

Today, we will build on concepts of the heart’s electrical activity covered last week by
discussing the cardiac cycle. The cardiac cycle is the sequence of events (both electrical and
mechanical) encompassing one complete round of atrial and ventricular contraction and
relaxation (a heartbeat).

Objectives
1. Define the terms systole and diastole.
2. Identify the location and describe the function of the AV and SL valves.
3. Identify the chambers of the heart and their associated great vessels.
4. Understand the sequence of events in the cardiac cycle – contractions, relaxations, and
associated opening/closing of valves.
5. Describe the heart sounds – both lub and dub. Explain what causes each and compare
them to one another.

Introduction
This introduction is a summary of select information. Please review your text for a more
complete discussion.

In order to discuss the events of the cardiac cycle (one complete heartbeat), you must understand
the definition of the terms listed below.

Systole:

Diastole:

AV valves (What is the abbreviation “AV?” What do the AV valves separate?):

Identify the AV valves on the heart model. What are some alternate names for these
valves?

SL valves (What is the abbreviation “SL?” What do the SL valves separate?):

Identify the SL valves on the heart model. What are the specific names used to
identify each SL valve?

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In a healthy heart, the left and right atria contract simultaneously, and then, as they relax, both
ventricles contract simultaneously. As stated above, the cardiac cycle is equivalent to one
complete heartbeat. During this time, both atria and both ventricles must contract and then relax.
These mechanical events create a series of changes to blood volume and pressure within the
chambers of the heart. Please consult your text for a graphical representation of the cardiac
cycle. This should assist your understanding as you follow the subsequently explained events.

On the heart model, identify each heart chamber and its associated great vessels (see table
below).

Heart Chamber Great Vessels

Right atrium Superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, coronary sinus

Right ventricle Pulmonary trunk → right and left pulmonary arteries

Left atrium Pulmonary veins

Left ventricle Aorta

Our discussion of the cardiac cycle will begin with the heart in a state of complete relaxation
(diastole). During this time, pressure within the heart is low and blood that is returning to the
heart is flowing passively from the atria into the ventricles – AV valves are open and SL valves
are closed.

After a period of passive ventricle filling, the atria contract – this increases atrial pressure and
forces residual blood into the ventricles. Ventricular systole follows and ventricular pressure
rapidly increases, closing the AV valves. Once ventricular pressure exceeds the pressure within
the large arteries leaving the heart, SL valves are forced open and blood is expelled.

At the end of ventricular systole, ventricles relax causing pressure within them to fall – this
causes SL valves to snap shut. Eventually ventricular pressure falls back below atrial pressure,
allowing AV valves to open and for another cardiac cycle to start.

Two distinct sounds can be heard during the cardiac cycle – described as “lubb” and “dupp.”

Lub occurs at the beginning of ventricular systole and is caused by the closure of ________
valves.

Dub occurs at the end of ventricular systole and is caused by the closure of ________ valves.

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Experimental Protocol and Review Questions
In groups:
1. Follow the experimental methods described in the provided Biopac Procedure packets.
2. Record subject data and complete all tables and questions listed in this packet.

Subject Data:

Height: __________ Weight: ___________ Age: __________ Gender: __________

Heat Sound Measurements:

Selected Area Measurement Seated After

At rest Inhalation Exhalation Exercise
R-wave to R-wave BPM

R-wave to 1st Delta T

heart sound
R-wave to 2nd Delta T
heart sound
1st to 2nd heart Delta T
sound
2nd heart sound to Delta T
next 1st heart
sound
1st heart sound p-p
interval
2nd heart sound p-p
interval

Analysis & Review Questions

1. Describe heart sounds. Which was louder? Were there differences in pitch (frequency)? What
explains the differences?

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2. Table analysis – note whether each value has increased, decreased, or stayed the same when
comparing at rest to after exercise. Explain the significance of your observations.

Measured Value After Exercise Change (↑ or ↓ or NC)

BPM

R-wave to 1st heart sound

R-wave to 2nd heart sound

Delta T
1st to 2nd

2nd sound to next 1st sound

1st sound
p-p
2nd sound

Explanation:

3. When is blood ejected from the heart (during ventricular systole or ventricular diastole)?
What electrical event precedes this ejection?

4. Complete each of the following statements:

 AV valves close when pressure inside the ____________________ exceeds

pressure inside the ____________________. This happens during ventricular

____________________ (systole or diastole).

 AV valves open when pressure inside the ____________________ exceeds

pressure inside the ____________________. This happens during ventricular

____________________ (systole or diastole).

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  SL valves close when pressure inside the ____________________ exceeds

pressure inside the ____________________. This happens during ventricular

____________________ (systole or diastole).

 SL valves open when pressure inside the ____________________ exceeds

pressure inside the ____________________. This happens during ventricular

____________________ (systole or diastole).

5. Briefly define the cardiac cycle (in your own words).

6. After which wave form of the ECG would you expect to hear Lub?

7. After which wave form of the ECG would you expect to hear Dub?

8. When is ventricular pressure at its highest? During ventricular systole or diastole?

9. When is the volume of blood within the ventricle increasing? During ventricular systole or
diastole?