Multiple Choice
In the electrical conduction system of the heart, which structure is considered the primary pacemaker that normally initiates each heartbeat?
4
views
18. The Heart
Electrical Conduction System of the Heart
Struggling with Anatomy & Physiology?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In the electrical conduction system of the heart, which structure functions as the primary pacemaker that normally initiates each heartbeat?
A
Purkinje fibers
B
Bundle of His (AV bundle)
C
Sinoatrial (SA) node
D
Atrioventricular (AV) node
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of the heart's electrical conduction system, which controls the heartbeat by generating and transmitting electrical impulses.
Identify the main components of this system: the Sinoatrial (SA) node, Atrioventricular (AV) node, Bundle of His (AV bundle), and Purkinje fibers.
Recognize that the primary pacemaker is the structure that normally initiates the electrical impulse that triggers each heartbeat.
Recall that the SA node, located in the right atrium, has the highest intrinsic firing rate and thus sets the pace for the heart's rhythm.
Conclude that the SA node functions as the primary pacemaker, while the AV node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers serve to conduct and coordinate the impulse through the heart.
7:1mWatch next
Master Intrinsic Cardiac Conduction System with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Electrical Conduction System of the Heart practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations