The Wiggers diagram is a tool used to teach cardiovascular physiology which typically includes pressure and volume changes during ventricular contractions (cardiac cycle). At the end of diastole (relaxation phase), the mitral valve closes and the left atrium contracts. When the left ventricular pressure exceeds aortic pressure, the aortic valve opens (systole), hits a peak and decreases as the volume in the left ventricle decreases. The aortic valve closes and slightly increases the pressure in the aorta (incisura). When the left ventricular pressure is below the left atrial pressure, the mitral valve opens and the left ventricle can begin filling with blood in order to repeat the process.
References
Cardiac Cycle (Wiggers Diagram) References
Mitchell JR, Wang JJ: Expanding application of the Wiggers diagram to teach cardiovascular physiology. Adv Physiol Educ. 2014 Jun;38(2):170-5. doi: 10.1152/advan.00123.2013.
Enter relative concentration values (without units). Elements will be highlighted in a color gradient where red = lowest concentration and green = highest concentration. For the best results, view the pathway in Black and White.
