# Explain what happens to the blood pressure and blood flow in the heart during one complete heartbeat.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.4.2 The heart · Explain · 4 marks

> The heart contracts and relaxes in a cycle called the cardiac cycle. During this cycle, blood is pumped from the atria into the ventricles and then out into the arteries.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The atria contract, increasing pressure in the atria
2. Blood is pushed/forced from the atria into the ventricles
3. The ventricles contract, increasing pressure in the ventricles
4. Blood is forced out of the ventricles into the arteries (pulmonary artery / aorta)

## Key terms

- [pressure](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pressure)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-to-the-blood-65b50da0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.