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

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1:47 minutes

Problem 2

Textbook Question

The portion of the intrinsic conduction system located in the superior interventricular septum is the:
a. AV node
b. SA node
c. AV bundle
d. Subendocardial conducting network

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the intrinsic conduction system of the heart, which is responsible for generating and propagating electrical impulses to ensure coordinated contraction of the heart chambers.

Recall the anatomical locations of the key components of the conduction system: the SA node (located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava), the AV node (located in the inferior portion of the interatrial septum), the AV bundle (located in the superior portion of the interventricular septum), and the subendocardial conducting network (Purkinje fibers, located in the walls of the ventricles).

Focus on the specific location mentioned in the question: the superior interventricular septum. This is the area where the AV bundle (also known as the bundle of His) is situated.

Eliminate the incorrect options based on their anatomical locations: the SA node is in the right atrium, the AV node is in the interatrial septum, and the subendocardial conducting network is in the ventricular walls.

Conclude that the correct answer is the AV bundle, as it is the portion of the intrinsic conduction system located in the superior interventricular septum.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Intrinsic Conduction System

The intrinsic conduction system of the heart is a network of specialized cardiac muscle cells that generate and conduct electrical impulses, ensuring coordinated heart contractions. It includes key components such as the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, AV bundle, and Purkinje fibers, which work together to regulate the heart's rhythm and rate.

AV Bundle (Bundle of His)

The AV bundle, also known as the Bundle of His, is a critical part of the intrinsic conduction system located in the superior interventricular septum. It transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles, allowing for synchronized contraction of the heart's lower chambers. This structure splits into right and left bundle branches, facilitating efficient conduction throughout the ventricles.

Interventricular Septum

The interventricular septum is the muscular wall that separates the left and right ventricles of the heart. It plays a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity of the heart and ensuring that the electrical impulses travel correctly through the AV bundle. Understanding its location and function is essential for comprehending the conduction pathways and their impact on heart function.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

The serous membrane covering the outer surface of the heart is the:

(a) Parietal layer of the serous pericardium

(b) Endocardium

(d) Visceral layer of the serous pericardium

The simple squamous epithelium covering the heart valves is the:

(a) Epicardium

(b) Endocardium

(d) Endothelium

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Textbook Question

Describe the three distinct layers that make up the heart wall.

Cardiac muscle cells are joined by structures called:

a. T-tubules.

b. tight junctions.

c. sarcoplasmic reticulum.

d. intercalated discs.

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Textbook Question

More than one choice may apply.

Using the figure, identify the most external part of the pericardium.

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Textbook Question

Draw a diagram of the heart showing the three layers composing its wall and its four chambers. Label each. Show where the AV and semilunar valves are, and name them. Show and label all blood vessels entering and leaving the heart chambers.

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Textbook Question

Name three different factors that increase heart rate.

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The heart plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure and secretes the hormone atrial natriuretic peptide.

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