CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam 2026 - Free Radiography Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct term that describes the period of contraction of the heart chambers is "systole." During systole, the ventricles contract to pump blood out of the heart, while the atria also contract to push blood into the ventricles. This phase is crucial for maintaining effective circulation throughout the body, ensuring that oxygenated blood is delivered to tissues and organs while deoxygenated blood is sent to the lungs for re-oxygenation. Understanding the phases of the cardiac cycle is essential in radiography, especially when analyzing heart-related images or interpreting findings associated with cardiovascular health. The other terms refer to different concepts: diastole is the phase of relaxation, hypertension refers to high blood pressure, and dyspnea indicates difficulty in breathing. Each of these has its significance in medical contexts but does not describe the contraction phase of the heart.