Electrical Activity of the Heart

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?

It conducts electrical impulses to the ventricles.
It initiates depolarization and acts as a pacemaker. (correct)
It coordinates the contraction of the bundle branches.
It allows for the rapid contraction of atrial muscles.

Which structure in the heart is responsible for passing depolarization to the ventricles?

Sinoatrial node (SA node)
Bundle branches
Purkinje fibers
Atrioventricular node (AV node) (correct)

Why is there a brief delay at the atrioventricular (AV) node?

To prevent arrhythmias from occurring.
To transmit impulses from the atria directly to the Purkinje fibers.
To allow for ventricular filling. (correct)
To increase the heart rate.

What pathway distributes electrical impulses throughout the ventricles?

<p>Purkinje fibers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the conduction system of the heart?

<p>To initiate and coordinate the contraction of the heart muscle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The natural pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium. It initiates the electrical impulses that trigger contraction.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

A specialized tissue in the heart that slows down the electrical signal slightly, ensuring the atria contract before the ventricles.

Bundle Branches

Specialized fibers that carry electrical signals to both ventricles, ensuring simultaneous contraction.

Purkinje Fibers

Fine, branching fibers that distribute the electrical signal throughout the ventricle walls, ensuring efficient contraction.

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Conduction System of the Heart

The entire pathway of electrical conduction in the heart, starting from the SA node and ending with the Purkinje fibers.

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Study Notes

Electrical Activity of the Heart

Heart contraction relies on electrical stimulation of the myocardium.
The conduction system facilitates this electrical activity.

Conduction System Components

Sinoatrial (SA) node: The pacemaker; initiates depolarisation.
Atrioventricular (AV) node: Receives depolarisation from the SA node and delays it, allowing for ventricular filling. It passes depolarization to the ventricles.
Bundle Branches: A continuation that sends signals to both the left and right ventricles.
Purkinje fibers: Transmit the signal through the ventricles.

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Description

Explore the fascinating electrical stimulation involved in heart contraction and the essential components of the conduction system. This quiz will cover the roles of the SA node, AV node, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers in ensuring efficient heart function.