cardiovascular physiology Flashcards
1
Q
what is heart contraction?
A
the electrical impulse that triggers contraction of the cardiac muscle (contractile) cells is intrinsic (arises in the heart itself) and stimulation from nervous system is not required
2
Q
what are conducting cells? associated with the intrisic conduction system
A
special cardiocytes that initiate and distribute action potencials in heart muscle
3
Q
what are nodes?
A
clusters of autorthymic cells that generates spontaneous action potencials in heart
4
Q
what is different about the resting potencial within autorythmic cells?
A
cells in nodes have an unstabble resting potencial (Na
+ leaks in)