What occurs when the ventricles of the heart contract?

When the ventricles of the heart contract, known as ventricular systole, the pressure within the ventricles increases significantly. This rise in pressure forces the aortic and pulmonary valves to open. The opening of these valves allows blood to be ejected from the ventricles into the aorta and pulmonary artery, respectively. This process is crucial for the circulation of oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs for oxygenation.

In contrast, during this phase of contraction, the mitral and tricuspid valves are closed to prevent the backflow of blood into the atria. Thus, the opening of the aortic and pulmonary valves during ventricular contraction facilitates the efficient pumping of blood, which is essential for maintaining proper blood flow and overall cardiovascular function.