Lecture 24 10/18/23 Flashcards
What does it mean for cardiomyocytes to be excitable?
an electrochemical gradient is maintained across their cell membranes
What is the stimulation of cardiomyocytes?
momentary reversal of trans-membrane potential (an action potential)
What are the characteristics of the action potential?
-initiates excitation-reaction coupling
-stimulus for myocardial shortening
What determines membrane potential?
conductance of ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+)
What are the two electrophysiologically distinct populations of cells?
-specialized conduction cells
-working cardiomyocytes
What are the characteristics of specialized conduction cells?
-depolarize spontaneously
-exhibit automacity
What is the role of working cardiomyocytes?
responsible for contraction
When do working cardiomyocytes get excited?
when there is an action potential to stimulate them
How does the AV node give rise to perkinje fibers?
-AV node gives rise to common bundle/His
-common bundle splits into bundle branches
-bundle branches give rise to perkinje fibers
Which structures have cells that exhibit normal automaticity?
-SA node
-AV node
-His/purkinje system
What is the role of the fibrous skeleton?
to electrically isolate the atria and ventricles
Why is it important for the atria and ventricles to be electrically separated?
allows for the atria and ventricles to depolarize separately
What is unique about the AV bundle?
it penetrates the fibrous skeleton
What is the role of gap junctions?
rapid diffusion of ions between cells
What things contribute to the negative resting membrane potential of the cell?
-Na/K pump
-Donnan effect
-selective permeability of membrane to K, but not Na (K leaks)
What type of current is associated with potassium?
outward current