Autorhythmicity
Autorhythmicity (pronounced: au-to-rhyth-mi-city) is a term used in medicine and physiology to describe the ability of certain types of cardiac cells to spontaneously initiate a heartbeat due to the presence of self-activating electrical impulses.
Etymology
The term 'Autorhythmicity' is derived from the Greek words 'auto' meaning self, and 'rhythmikos' meaning rhythmic.
Definition
Autorhythmicity refers to the inherent rhythmicity of certain cells, particularly those found in the heart. These cells, known as pacemaker cells, have the unique ability to spontaneously generate electrical impulses without any external stimulation. This property allows them to initiate and regulate the heart's rhythmic contractions, thereby controlling the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat.
Related Terms
- Pacemaker cells: These are specialized cardiac cells that possess autorhythmicity and initiate the electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat.
- Sinoatrial node (SA node): This is the primary pacemaker of the heart, where the electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat are usually generated.
- Atrioventricular node (AV node): This is the secondary pacemaker of the heart, which can take over the role of initiating the heartbeat if the SA node fails.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart, and can be used to detect abnormalities in autorhythmicity.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autorhythmicity
- Wikipedia's article - Autorhythmicity
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