What occurs to the force of blood during the diastolic phase?

During the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, the heart is in a state of relaxation after systole, which is when the heart contracts and pumps blood out. During diastole, the heart chambers fill with blood, leading to a decrease in blood pressure as the heart is not actively pumping. This phase is characterized by a reduction in the force exerted against the walls of the blood vessels that occurs when the heart is not in the process of contracting.

The overall pressure in the arteries also reflects this decrease. While the body still has some residual pressure (known as diastolic blood pressure), the force, in general, decreases compared to the systolic phase. Understanding this concept is key as it helps in grasping the dynamics of blood pressure and how the heart functions to maintain adequate circulation throughout the body.