Conducting system of the heart- structure and function
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The conducting system of the heart is a network of specialized cardiac muscle cells responsible for initiating and transmitting electrical impulses that coordinate the heart's contractions. This system ensures the heart beats in a synchronized manner, allowing efficient blood flow throughout the body.

Electrical conduction system of the heart

Structure of the Conducting System[edit | edit source]

The conducting system consists of several key components:

  1. Sinoatrial (SA) Node: Located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava, the SA node is the heart's natural pacemaker. It generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat.
  2. Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Situated at the junction of the atria and ventricles, the AV node receives impulses from the SA node and delays them slightly to ensure the atria have emptied their blood into the ventricles before the ventricles contract.
  3. Bundle of His (Atrioventricular Bundle): This bundle of specialized fibers conducts the impulses from the AV node to the ventricles. It divides into the right and left bundle branches.
  4. Right and Left Bundle Branches: These branches run along the interventricular septum and conduct impulses to the right and left ventricles, respectively.
  5. Purkinje Fibers: These fibers spread throughout the ventricles and ensure the rapid and coordinated contraction of the ventricular myocardium.

Function of the Conducting System[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the conducting system is to regulate the heart's rhythm and ensure efficient blood flow. The process involves several steps:

  1. Impulse Generation: The SA node generates an electrical impulse, which spreads through the atria, causing them to contract and push blood into the ventricles.
  2. Impulse Delay: The impulse reaches the AV node, where it is delayed briefly to allow the ventricles to fill with blood from the atria.
  3. Impulse Conduction: The impulse travels through the Bundle of His, down the right and left bundle branches, and into the Purkinje fibers.
  4. Ventricular Contraction: The Purkinje fibers distribute the impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

This coordinated sequence of electrical impulses and muscle contractions ensures the heart functions efficiently, maintaining a steady and rhythmic heartbeat.

References

Heart Conduction System (Cardiac Conduction) - Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21648-heart-conduction-system

Conduction system of the heart: Parts and Functions | Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/conducting-system-of-the-heart

17.1A: Anatomy of the Heart - Medicine LibreTexts https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Anatomy_and_Physiology_%28Boundless%29/17%3A_Cardiovascular_System%3A_The_Heart/17.1%3A_The_Heart/17.1A%3A_Anatomy_of_the_Heart

Conducting System of the Heart - SA Node - TeachMeAnatomy https://teachmeanatomy.info/thorax/organs/heart/conducting-system/

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