The atrioventricular (AV) node is a crucial component of the heart’s electrical conduction system, responsible for regulating the flow of electrical signals between the atria (upper chambers) and the ventricles (lower chambers). It is located in the lower part of the right atrium, near the septum that divides the atria and ventricles.
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Function of the AV Node:
The primary role of the AV node is to act as a gatekeeper that slows down the electrical impulse received from the sinoatrial (SA) node. This delay is essential because it allows the atria to contract fully, ensuring that blood is effectively pumped into the ventricles before they contract. After this delay, the AV node sends the signal down to the bundle of His, which transmits the signal to the ventricles, leading to their contraction.
Importance in Heart Rhythm:
In a healthy heart, the AV node ensures proper timing between atrial and ventricular contractions, contributing to an efficient heartbeat. If the AV node is disrupted, it can result in arrhythmias, such as heart block, where the electrical signal is delayed or blocked entirely, potentially requiring medical intervention like pacemaker implantation.
AV Node and Heart Block:
Heart block occurs when the AV node is unable to transmit electrical signals effectively from the atria to the ventricles. There are different degrees of heart block:
- First-degree: Electrical signals are delayed but still reach the ventricles.
- Second-degree: Some signals are blocked, causing missed heartbeats.
- Third-degree (complete block): No signals pass through, and the ventricles rely on their own pacemaker, leading to an irregular, slower heartbeat.
