Question

One of the functions of the atrioventricular (AV) node is to:

a. pace the heart if the ventricles fail.
b. slow the impulse arriving from the SA node.
c. send the impulse to the SA node.
d. allow for ventricular filling during systole.

Answer 1

The function of the atrioventricular (AV) node is to slow the impulse from the SA node, allowing time for the ventricles to fill with blood before they contract.

Step-by-step explanation:

The atrioventricular (AV) node is responsible for slowing down the impulse arriving from the SA node, allowing for a pause that is critical to heart function. This pause gives the atrial cardiomyocytes enough time to complete their contraction and pump blood into the ventricles before the impulse is transmitted to the ventricles. One of the functions of the atrioventricular (AV) node is to slow the impulse arriving from the SA node. When the electrical impulse from the SA node reaches the AV node, there is a critical delay before the AV node depolarizes. This delay allows the atrial cardiomyocytes to complete their contraction and pump blood into the ventricles before the impulse is transmitted to the ventricular cells. This function ensures that ventricular filling can occur properly during diastole before the ventricles contract during systole.