APSU Science ExpOlympics - 2000
Activity Event - McCord 105
Drs. S. Lundin-Schiller, J. Schiller, and D. O'Drobinak (Biology Department)
In this activity, participants will have their
1) blood pressure measured
2) electrocardiogram recorded.
1) The blood pressure will be measured using a common cuff-type sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. The cuff is inflated to create pressure on the left brachial artery and then slowly released. The pressure reading on the sphygmomanometer that corresponds to systolic blood pressure occurs when blood can be heard moving through the artery. This is the blood pressure during contraction of the ventricles of the heart. The pressure reading on the sphygmomanometer when blood turbulence can no longer by heard corresponds to the diastolic blood pressure. This is the blood pressure during ventricular relaxation.
2) The electrical activity of the heart muscle which corresponds to heart muscle contraction and relaxation generated electrical currents that can be detected at the surface of the body. A recording of the electrical changes that accompany each heart beat is called an electrocardiogram. The electrocardiogram will be measured by placing electrocardiograph leads on the wrist and ankles of the participants. The electrical changes detected will be recorded on graph paper for the participants to keep. Also a model of the cardiovascular system and explanation of the significance of these two measurements to cardiovascular physiology will be displayed.
It will take approximately 10 minutes per measurement per person.
Limited to 15-20 participants per session.
Links
Overview and History of APSU Science ExpOlympics
Calendar for APSU Science ExpOlympics - 2000
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