Dromotropy
Dromotropy (pronounced: dro-MO-tro-pee) is a term used in Medicine and Cardiology to describe the change in speed at which the Cardiac conduction system transmits electrical impulses. The term is derived from the Greek words "dromos" meaning race, and "tropos" meaning a turning.
Etymology
The term "Dromotropy" is derived from the Greek words "dromos" (δρόμος), meaning 'race or run', and "tropos" (τρόπος), meaning 'a turning'. It was first used in the medical field in the late 19th century.
Definition
In Cardiology, Dromotropy refers to the speed of conduction of electrical impulses within the heart. This is an important factor in the overall function of the heart, as it affects the rate and rhythm of heartbeats. A positive dromotrope increases the speed of conduction, while a negative dromotrope decreases it.
Related Terms
- Chronotropy: The change in heart rate.
- Inotropy: The force of heart muscle contraction.
- Bathmotropy: The change in excitability of a nerve or muscle to respond to a stimulus.
- Lusitropy: The rate of relaxation of the heart muscle.
See Also
References
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