Electrical Conduction System
The electrical conduction system of the heart is a network of specialized cells that generate and transmit electrical impulses. These impulses control the heart's rhythm and ensure that it beats in a coordinated manner. The main components include the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, and the bundle of His, which further branches into the Purkinje fibers.
When the SA node sends an electrical signal, it causes the atria to contract and pump blood into the ventricles. The signal then travels to the AV node, which delays it slightly before passing it to the ventricles, allowing them to fill with blood before contracting. This system is crucial for maintaining effective blood circulation throughout the body.