Physiology Flashcards
define autorhythmicity
the heart is capable of beating rhythmically in the absence of external stimuli
define sinus rhythm
a heart controlled by the SA node
does the SA node have a stable resting membrane potential?
no
what does the SA node generate?
regular spontaneous pacemaker potentials (phase 4)
what produces the pacemaker potentials in the SA node?
- decrease in K+ efflux
- funny current (Na+ and K+ influx through HCN channels)
- transient Ca2+ influx through T-type channels
what is phase 0 due to in the pacemaker cells?
Ca2+ influx through L-type channels
what is phase 3 due to in pacemaker cells?
inactivation of L-type channels and activation K+ channels
what cell junction does electrical excitation spread through
gap junctions
what does the AV node do to the conduction velocity
AV cells have a small diameter so slow conduction velocity
what does slowed conduction in the AV node allow?
atrial systole to precede ventricular systole
phase 4 of myocytes?
resting potential due to K+ efflux via Na+/K+ ATPase
what is the mV resting membrane potential in myocytes?
-90mV
role of ivabradine
blocks HCN slowing the HR
role of digoxin
inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase causing the membrane to depolarise slightly
phase 0 in myocytes
upstroke due to Na+ influx
membrane potential in phase 0
+20mV
phase 1 in myocytes
early repolarisation due to transient K+ efflux
phase 2 in myocytes
plateau due to Ca2+ L-type influx which balances K+ efflux
what does durgs that block the K+ channel cause?
increase ventricular action potential (can lead to acquired long QT syndrome)
phase 3 in myocytes
final repolarisation due to closure of Ca2+ channels and K+ efflux
difference in atrial myocytes
another outward K+ channel (ultra-rapid delayed rectifier) so phase 2 is less evident
sympathetic innervation of the heart
sympathetic nerves act on B1-adrenoceptors using NA
parasympathetic innervation of the heart
vagus nerve acts on M2 muscarinic receptors using ACh decreasing HR
what dominates control of HR in resting conditions?
vagal tone exerts a continuous influence of the SA and AV nodes
define chronotropic
change in heart rate
define inotropic
force of contraction
define lusitropic
rate of myocardial relaxation
define dromotropic
conduction speed
define ECG
record of depolarisation and repolarisation cycle of cardiac muscle obtained from the skin surface
P wave
atrial depolarisation
QRS complex
ventricular depolarisation (masks atrial repolarisation)
T wave
ventricular repolarisation
PR interval
AV node delay
ST segment
ventricular systole
TP interval
diastole