Cardiac conduction system

Cardiac Conduction System

The Cardiac Conduction System (pronunciation: /kɑːrˈdiːæk kənˈdʌkʃən ˈsɪstəm/) is a complex system of specialized cardiac muscle cells that initiate and coordinate the contraction of the heart muscles. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin cardia meaning heart, and conduction from the Latin conducere meaning to lead or guide.

Components

The Cardiac Conduction System consists of several key components:

• Sinoatrial Node (SA node): Often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker, it initiates the electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm.

• Atrioventricular Node (AV node): This acts as a gatekeeper, slowing the electrical signal before it enters the ventricles to allow the atria to fully contract before the ventricles do.

• Bundle of His: This pathway transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node to the bundle branches.

• Bundle Branches: These pathways carry the impulses to the Purkinje Fibers.

• Purkinje Fibers: These fibers spread the impulse to the ventricular muscles, causing them to contract and pump blood.

Function

The Cardiac Conduction System controls the heart rate and coordinates the contraction of the heart chambers. It ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and effective manner, pumping blood efficiently and rhythmically throughout the body.

Related Terms

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can show if the Cardiac Conduction System is functioning properly.

• Arrhythmia: A condition where the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm, often due to issues with the Cardiac Conduction System.

• Pacemaker: A device that can regulate the heart's rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle, often used when the Cardiac Conduction System is not functioning properly.

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