What is the term for when the heart muscle contracts, pumping blood out of the heart?

The term for when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out of the heart is "systole." During systole, the chambers of the heart—specifically the ventricles—contract vigorously, forcing blood into the arteries. This phase is critical for maintaining circulation throughout the body and ensuring that oxygenated blood reaches various tissues.

The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events in one heartbeat, encompassing both systole and diastole, the latter being the phase when the heart muscles relax and fill with blood. The resting phase is not a standard term used in cardiovascular physiology to describe a specific function of the heart. Understanding these processes is essential for grasping how the heart maintains its vital role in the circulatory system.