AV node
AV node
The AV node or atrioventricular node (pronounced: /ˌeɪtriːoʊvɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər ˈnoʊd/) is a part of the electrical conduction system of the heart that coordinates the top of the heart. It electrically connects the atria and ventricles.
Etymology
The term "atrioventricular" is derived from "atrium" and "ventricle", referring to the two sections of the heart that the AV node connects. The term "node" refers to a central or connecting point.
Function
The AV node serves as a gate that slows the electrical current sent by the sinoatrial node (SA node) before the signal is permitted to pass down through to the ventricles. This delay ensures that the atria have an opportunity to fully contract before the ventricles are stimulated.
Related Terms
- Sinoatrial node (SA node): The heart's natural pacemaker.
- Bundle of His: A collection of heart muscle cells specialized for electrical conduction that transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node.
- Purkinje fibers: Specialized myocardial fibers that spread the electrical impulse to the ventricular myocardium.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on AV node
- Wikipedia's article - AV node
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