Atrioventricular: The Heart’s Electrical System
Introduction The human heart, a vital organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, relies on a complex network of electrical signals to maintain its rhythmic beat. At the center of this intricate system is the Atrioventricular (AV) node, which serves as a crucial bridge between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Understanding the role of the AV node is essential in comprehending the heart’s electrical system and the coordination of cardiac contractions. The heart’s electrical system is a highly coordinated network of cells and pathways that generate and conduct electrical impulses. These impulses stimulate the heart muscles to contract in a synchronized manner, ensuring an efficient pumping action. The AV node plays a pivotal role in regulating the timing of these impulses, facilitating the smooth flow of blood through the heart. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the functions of the AV node and