Purkinje fibers
Purkinje Fibers
Purkinje fibers (pronounced: pur-KIN-jee) are specialized cardiac muscle cells involved in the electrical conduction system of the heart. They play a crucial role in coordinating the heart's rhythmic contractions.
Etymology
The term "Purkinje fibers" is named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who discovered them in 1839.
Function
Purkinje fibers are responsible for carrying the electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm. They are the final pathway in the heart's intrinsic conduction system, transmitting impulses from the bundle of His to the ventricular myocardium. This ensures the simultaneous contraction of both ventricles, which is necessary for effective blood pumping.
Structure
Purkinje fibers are larger than other cardiac muscle cells and have fewer myofibrils, which gives them their pale appearance. They are rich in glycogen and have a high density of mitochondria, which provides the energy needed for rapid conduction of impulses.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Purkinje fibers
- Wikipedia's article - Purkinje fibers
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