What is stroke volume?

Stroke volume is defined as the amount of blood ejected by the heart with each contraction, specifically during ventricular systole. This measurement is crucial in understanding cardiac function, as it reflects the efficiency of the heart in pumping blood to provide adequate circulation to the body. A healthy stroke volume is essential for maintaining proper blood pressure and delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

In contrast, total blood volume refers to the overall quantity of blood present in the circulatory system, which differs from the volume ejected per heartbeat. The volume of blood returning to the heart pertains to venous return rather than the volume actively pumped out during a contraction, and the amount of blood pumped per minute relates to cardiac output, which is the product of stroke volume and heart rate. Therefore, while other options may relate to cardiovascular concepts, they do not accurately define stroke volume itself.