L07 ECG & Pulse

Experimental Objectives

1. To become familiar with the principle of plethysmography and its usefulness in qualitatively assessing peripheral changes in blood volume.
2. To observe and record changes in peripheral blood volume and pressure pulse under a variety of both experimental and physiological conditions.
3. To determine the approximate speed of the pressure pulse wave traveling between the heart and the finger.
4. To illustrate the electrical activity associated with normal cardiac activity and how it relates to the flow of blood throughout the body.

Tasks Performed by the Student

BSL Lessons are designed to allow at least four students to record and save data in a normal lab period (60-90 minutes). Typically, labs work most efficiently with three or more students working together at each BSL station.

• Record pulse and ECG Lead II.
  • Sit with forearm supported.
  • Stick non-recording arm in a bucket of cold water.
  • Raise non-recording arm above head.

Lesson Hardware

This lesson requires a Biopac Student Lab (BSL) System and the following hardware. If your BSL System does not include all hardware items, expand your system by selecting required items below. For more details, review the Lesson: L# BSL Lessons - see the Lab Manual or launch BSL; A# and H# BSL PRO Lessons, click the PDF link above to review full setup, recording, and analysis procedures.