Pacemaker current
Pacemaker Current
Pacemaker current, also known as funny current or I_f, is a type of cardiac pacemaker current that plays a crucial role in the cardiac rhythm of the heart. It is denoted by the symbol I_f (pronounced as "eye-eff").
Pronunciation
Pacemaker current: /ˈpeɪsmeɪkər ˈkʌrənt/
Etymology
The term "pacemaker" originates from the word "pace", which means "speed" or "rate", and "maker", which implies "creator" or "generator". The term "current" in this context refers to the flow of ions across the cell membrane.
Function
The pacemaker current is responsible for the spontaneous depolarization of the sinoatrial node (SA node), the natural pacemaker of the heart. This current is activated during the phase 4 of the cardiac action potential, contributing to the initiation of each heartbeat.
Related Terms
- Cardiac pacemaker: A device or system that sends electrical impulses to the heart in order to set the heart rhythm.
- Cardiac rhythm: The pattern of heartbeats, controlled by the electrical conduction system of the heart.
- Depolarization: The process by which the electrical charge of a cell changes from negative to positive.
- Sinoatrial node (SA node): The natural pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium.
- Cardiac action potential: The process that the heart cells undergo to generate electrical activity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pacemaker current
- Wikipedia's article - Pacemaker current
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