What happens to arteries during systole?

During systole, which is the phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts, there is an increase in blood pressure within the arteries. This pressure causes the arteries to constrict, allowing them to manage and regulate the flow of blood that is being pumped from the heart. The constriction helps to maintain the necessary pressure to ensure that blood reaches all parts of the body effectively.

The other options mention relaxation or dilation, which typically occur during diastole, when the heart is at rest, and blood flows more freely through the arteries. Keeping the arteries constricted during systole is essential for ensuring efficient circulation and maintaining proper blood flow throughout the body.