Conduction system
Conduction System
The Conduction System (pronunciation: /kənˈdʌkʃən ˈsɪstəm/) is a complex network of specialized cardiac muscle cells that initiate and transmit the electrical impulses responsible for the coordinated contraction of the heart.
Etymology
The term "conduction" is derived from the Latin word "conducere", which means "to lead or guide". The term "system" comes from the Greek word "systēma", meaning "an organized whole".
Components
The conduction system consists of several key components:
- Sinoatrial Node (SA node): Often referred to as the natural pacemaker of the heart, the SA node initiates the electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm.
- Atrioventricular Node (AV node): This structure delays the electrical signal from the SA node before it passes to the ventricles, allowing the atria to fully contract before the ventricles do.
- Bundle of His: This bundle of fibers transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles.
- Purkinje Fibers: These fibers spread the electrical impulses throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract in a coordinated manner.
Related Terms
- Electrocardiogram: A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to assess the functioning of the conduction system.
- Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat that can result from problems with the conduction system.
- Pacemaker: A device that can regulate the heart's rhythm by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscle.
- Cardiac Cycle: The sequence of events that occur in the heart during one complete heartbeat.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Conduction system
- Wikipedia's article - Conduction system
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