law of the heart


law of the heart

the energy liberated by the heart when it contracts is a function of the length of its muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Synonym(s): Starling law

law of the heart

(law hahrt) The energy liberated by the heart when it contracts is a function of the length of its muscle fibers at the end of diastole.

law of the heart

Other things being equal, the stroke volume of the heart varies as the extent of diastolic filling, that is, the energy of contraction is a function of the initial length of the muscle fibers.See also: law

Starling,

Ernest Henry, English physiologist, 1866-1927. Frank-Starling curve - Synonym(s): Starling curveStarling curve - a graph in which cardiac output or stroke volume is plotted against mean atrial or ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Synonym(s): Frank-Starling curveStarling equilibriumStarling hypothesisStarling law of the heart - the energy liberated by the heart when it contracts is a function of the length of its muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Synonym(s): law of the heartStarling law of the intestine - food causes a band of constriction proximally and relaxation distally, resulting in a peristaltic wave.Starling reflex - tapping the volar surfaces of the fingers causes flexion.