What term refers to the force exerted by blood on the inner walls of the heart and arteries?

The term that refers to the force exerted by blood on the inner walls of the heart and arteries is blood pressure. Blood pressure is a crucial physiological parameter that reflects how effectively the heart pumps blood throughout the body and the resistance the arterial walls provide to that flow.

Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is represented by two values: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This measurement is vital for assessing cardiovascular health, as abnormal levels can indicate various medical conditions.

In a clinical context, monitoring blood pressure helps healthcare providers evaluate a patient's heart function and the overall circulatory system, making it a fundamental piece of information in emergency medical situations.