What does "-systole" indicate in medical terms?

The suffix "-systole" is derived from the Greek word "systolē," which means contraction. In medical terminology, it refers to the phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart chambers contract and pump blood out of the heart. This term is notably used in phrases such as "ventricular systole," indicating the contraction of the ventricles.

The choice that indicates "narrow/constricted" does not align with the meaning of "-systole." Instead, it reflects a different concept more closely associated with conditions like "stenosis." The correct understanding of "systole" emphasizes contraction and the process of the heart actively pumping blood, highlighting its crucial role in the circulatory system. This understanding is fundamental for anyone studying medical terminology, especially within the field of cardiology.