Function ofbulb of sphygmomanometer?
The function of the bulb of a manual sphygmomanometer is to
inflate the cuff to stop the flow of arterial blood in the arm so
that the blood pressure can be determined. The bulb pumps air into
the cuff, causing it to expand against the upper arm. Enough air is
pumped into the cuff to stop the flow of arterial blood. The
pressure is then slowly released and the point at which blood
begins to flow again is recorded as the systolic pressure,
representing the highest arterial pressure of the cardiac cycle.
Blood flows only with the beating of the heart, however, and
further pressure is released until the arterial blood flows freely.
This point is recorded as the diastolic pressure, representing the
lowest arterial pressure when the heart is at rest.