Electrical System of the Heart

Front

What is the primary function of the Sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?

Back

The SA node generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat, acting as the heart's natural pacemaker.

Front

What occurs during a complete heart block?

Back

A complete heart block occurs when the AV node fails to transmit electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

Front

What is the normal sequence of the conduction pathway in the heart?

Back

The normal sequence is: SA node → AV node → Bundle of His → Purkinje fibers.

Front

What is the typical normal heart rate range for adults?

Back

The normal heart rate range is typically between 60-100 beats per minute.

Front

Define excitability in the context of cardiac muscle cells.

Back

Excitability refers to the ability of cardiac muscle cells to respond to electrical impulses.

Front

What is the role of the Atrioventricular (AV) node in the heart's conduction system?

Back

The AV node serves as a gatekeeper, slowing down the electrical impulse before it passes to the ventricles.

Front

What is automaticity in cardiac cells?

Back

Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to generate electrical impulses spontaneously without external stimulation.

Front

What is the significance of the Bundle of His in the heart's conduction system?

Back

The Bundle of His transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles, facilitating coordinated contraction.

Front

What is the function of Purkinje fibers in the heart?

Back

Purkinje fibers distribute electrical impulses throughout the ventricles, ensuring synchronized contraction.

Front

How does contractility relate to heart function?

Back

Contractility refers to the ability of the heart muscle to contract and generate force, affecting the heart's pumping efficiency.