What is the primary function of the SA node in the heart?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the main role of the SA node (sinoatrial node) in the heart, which is crucial for understanding its function in regulating the heart's rhythm and pacemaking ability.
Answer
The SA node acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating electrical impulses.
The primary function of the SA node is to act as the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating the electrical impulses that trigger myocardial contraction.
Answer for screen readers
The primary function of the SA node is to act as the heart's natural pacemaker, initiating the electrical impulses that trigger myocardial contraction.
More Information
The SA node, often termed the heart's natural pacemaker, generates electrical signals that cause the atria to contract, starting the heartbeat sequence.
Tips
Sometimes people confuse the functions of the SA node with the AV node. The SA node initiates the heartbeat, while the AV node delays and passes the signal to ventricles.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Anatomy and Function of the Heart's Electrical System - hopkinsmedicine.org
- Heart Conduction System (Cardiac Conduction) - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org
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