What physiological measurement is defined as the total amount of blood ejected by the heart in one minute?

Cardiac output is defined as the total amount of blood ejected by the heart in one minute. This measurement is crucial as it reflects the efficiency of the heart in delivering oxygenated blood to the body, which is vital for sustaining various physiological functions and overall health.

Cardiac output is calculated by multiplying stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart in one beat) by heart rate (the number of beats per minute). Therefore, cardiac output provides a comprehensive insight into how well the heart is functioning over a given time frame. It is especially important to assess during physical activity or in clinical settings when evaluating a person's cardiovascular health.

In contrast, stroke volume refers specifically to the amount of blood ejected with each heartbeat, while heart rate tallies the beats within a minute without providing a broader context of blood flow. Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the blood vessels but does not directly represent the volume of blood pumped. Thus, cardiac output stands out as the most relevant physiological measurement in this context.