Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

Anatomy & Physiology

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

A client is administered atropine to increase the heart rate. What is the action of atropine on the heart's electrical activity?

Atropine blocks the parasympathetic influence on the heart by inhibiting acetylcholine receptors.

Atropine stimulates the release of norepinephrine, increasing sympathetic activity.

Atropine decreases the heart rate by activating potassium channels in the sinoatrial node.

Atropine enhances the conduction through the atrioventricular node by increasing calcium influx.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the autonomic nervous system in heart rate regulation. The heart rate is influenced by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Recognize that atropine is an anticholinergic drug, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter associated with the parasympathetic nervous system.

Identify that the parasympathetic nervous system typically decreases heart rate by acting on muscarinic receptors in the heart, particularly in the sinoatrial node.

Atropine blocks these muscarinic receptors, thereby inhibiting the parasympathetic influence on the heart, which leads to an increase in heart rate.

Note that atropine does not directly stimulate norepinephrine release or activate potassium channels, nor does it enhance conduction through the atrioventricular node by increasing calcium influx. Its primary action is the inhibition of acetylcholine receptors.