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Multiple Choice
Which electrical activity of the cardiac conduction system is reflected in the P wave?
A
Ventricular depolarization
B
Ventricular repolarization
C
Atrial repolarization
D
Atrial depolarization
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the cardiac conduction system: The heart's electrical activity is initiated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the right atrium. This node generates electrical impulses that cause the atria to contract.
Identify the components of an electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart. It consists of several waves, including the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
Focus on the P wave: The P wave is the first wave in the ECG cycle. It represents the electrical activity associated with the contraction of the atria.
Relate the P wave to atrial depolarization: Atrial depolarization is the process by which the atria contract in response to the electrical impulse from the SA node. This activity is reflected in the P wave on the ECG.
Differentiate from other waves: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the T wave represents ventricular repolarization. Atrial repolarization is not distinctly visible on the ECG as it occurs during the QRS complex.