Define preload
volume of blood in ventricles at end of diastole
define afterload
pressure needed to overcome by the ventricles during ejection
define contractility
instrinsic ability for heart to contract (can be increased by sympa activity and increase preload due to stretch)
define elasticity
ability to return to normal shape after stretching by recoiling once the force has been removed
define compliance
ability to distend and increase in volume
define resistance
action of blood vessels to control blood flow (increased resistance = reduced flow)