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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Multiple Choice

Which structure of the cardiac conduction system acts as the pacemaker of the heart?

Sinoatrial (SA) node

Purkinje fibers

Atrioventricular (AV) node

Bundle of His

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the cardiac conduction system: The heart's conduction system is responsible for initiating and propagating electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract. Key structures include the Sinoatrial (SA) node, Atrioventricular (AV) node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers.

Learn the role of the Sinoatrial (SA) node: The SA node is located in the right atrium and is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart. It generates electrical impulses that set the rhythm for the heart's contractions.

Compare the functions of other structures: The AV node delays the electrical signal to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles. The Bundle of His transmits signals from the AV node to the ventricles, and the Purkinje fibers distribute the signal throughout the ventricles for coordinated contraction.

Identify the structure that initiates the heartbeat: Since the SA node is responsible for generating the initial electrical impulse that sets the heart's rhythm, it is considered the pacemaker of the heart.

Conclude that the correct answer is the Sinoatrial (SA) node based on its function as the natural pacemaker of the heart.