objective 3 pt 2 Flashcards
The intrinsic cardiac conduction system consists of
noncontractile cardiac cells specialized to initiate and
distribute impulses throughout the heart.
Although the heart depolarizes and contracts without
nervous system stimulation, the rhythm can be altered by
autonomic nervous system.
electrical events of the heart
what is the sequence of excitation?
Cardiac pacemaker cells pass impulses across heart in ∼0.22 seconds
◦ Coordinates depolarization of the heart
◦ Ensures heart beats as a unit
what is the order in which impulses pass across the heart?
- Sinoatrial (SA) node →
- Atrioventricular (AV) node →
- Atrioventricular (AV) bundle →
- Right and left bundle branches →
- Sub-endocardial conducting network
(Purkinje fibers)
sets the pace of the heart as it depolarizes faster than
rest of myocardium
pacemaker
Located in right atrial wall
◦ Generates impulses about 75×/minute (sinus rhythm)
◦ Innate rate of 100×/minute tempered by extrinsic factors
◦ Impulse spreads across atria, and to AV node
sinoatrial node
Located in inferior interatrial septum
◦ Delays impulses approximately 0.1 second
◦ Allows atrial contraction to occur before ventricular contraction
◦ Inherent rate of 50x/minute in absence of SA node input
◦ From the AV node the impulse sweeps to the AV bundle
atrioventricular node
Located in superior interventricular septum
◦ Only electrical connection between atria and ventricles
◦ Atria and ventricles not connected via gap junctions
◦ The AV bundle splits into the rt. and lt. bundle branches
antrioventricular bundle
Found in interventricular septum
◦ Carry impulses toward apex of heart
right and left bundle branches
Extends from interventricular septum into apex and ventricular walls
◦ More elaborate on left side of heart due to size of LV
◦ Process from initiation at SA node to complete contraction takes
~0.22 seconds
◦ Ventricular contraction immediately follows the depolarization wave
sub-endocardial conducting network
sends signals
through sympathetic nervous system to
increase both rate and force of contraction
◦ Stimulates SA and AV nodes, heart muscle,
and coronary arteries
cardio-acceleratory center
sends
parasympathetic signals via vagus nerve to
decrease heart rate
◦ Inhibits SA and AV nodes via vagus nerves
cardio-inhibitory center
is a device that
can detect electrical currents
generated by heart
electrocardiograph
is
a graphic recording of electrical
activity
◦ Combination of all action
potentials at given time; not a
tracing of a single AP
◦ Electrodes are placed at various
points on body to measure
voltage differences
◦ 12 lead ECG is most typical
electrocardiogram
what are the main features of electrocardiography?
P wave
QRS complex
T wave
P-R interval
S-T segment
Q-T interval
depolarization of atria
P wave
ventricular depolarization
QRS complex
ventricular repolarization
T wave
beginning of atrial excitation to beginning of ventricular excitation
P-R interval
entire ventricular myocardium depolarization
S-T segment
beginning of ventricular depolarization through ventricular repolarization
Q-T interval