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

Which of the following is true concerning the heart's conduction system?

The atrioventricular (AV) node is located in the left ventricle.

The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates the electrical impulse that sets the pace for the heart rate.

The Purkinje fibers are responsible for delaying the electrical impulse to allow atrial contraction.

The bundle of His directly stimulates the atria to contract.

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the components of the heart's conduction system: The heart's conduction system includes the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers. Each plays a specific role in generating and propagating electrical impulses for coordinated heart contractions.

Clarify the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node: The SA node, located in the right atrium, is known as the heart's natural pacemaker. It initiates the electrical impulse that sets the pace for the heart rate, causing the atria to contract and push blood into the ventricles.

Examine the atrioventricular (AV) node: The AV node is located in the interatrial septum (not the left ventricle). It delays the electrical impulse slightly to allow the atria to complete their contraction before the ventricles contract.

Understand the role of the Purkinje fibers: The Purkinje fibers are specialized fibers that conduct the electrical impulse rapidly through the ventricles, causing them to contract. They do not delay the impulse; that is the role of the AV node.

Analyze the bundle of His: The bundle of His is part of the conduction system that transmits the electrical impulse from the AV node to the bundle branches and Purkinje fibers. It does not directly stimulate the atria to contract; the SA node initiates atrial contraction.