What is the primary function of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?
To initiate the heartbeat
Which characteristic of cardiac electrical cells allows them to generate impulses without external stimulation?
Automaticity
What role do Purkinje fibers play in the cardiac conduction system?
rapidly and efficiently conduct electrical impulses to the ventricular muscle, enabling a coordinated and synchronized contraction of the heart’s two lower chambers (ventricles)
During which phase of the cardiac cycle does the heart muscle relax and fill with blood?
Diastole
What is the significance of the atrioventricular (AV) node in the conduction system?
When closed, prevents backflow of blood into atrium
What is the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
record the heart’s electrical activity to diagnose potential problems.
Which structure in the conduction system is often referred to as the heart’s natural pacemaker?
SA Node
What happens during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle?
The ventricles contract to pump blood
What is the role of the Bundle of His in the conduction system?
transmits electrical impulses from the atrioventricular (AV) node to the heart’s ventricles
How do pacemakers assist the heart?
Pacemakers use low-energy electrical pulses to assist the heart
Which sequence correctly represents the normal pathway of cardiac conduction?
Sinoatrial (SA) node
Atrioventricular (AV) node
Bundle of His (also called AV bundle)
Right and left bundle branches
Purkinje fibers
