What is the measurement of the force that blood exerts on the arterial walls called?

The measurement of the force that blood exerts on the arterial walls is known as blood pressure. This term specifically refers to the pressure that circulating blood applies to the walls of blood vessels, particularly arteries. Blood pressure is crucial for determining how well blood is flowing throughout the body and is typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) with two values representing systolic and diastolic pressures.

Understanding blood pressure is essential in health science, as abnormal levels can indicate various health conditions, including hypertension or hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure is a key aspect of assessing cardiovascular health, making it a fundamental concept in healthcare.