Question

____________ is the ability of the cardiac muscle to initiate an electrical potential at a fixed rate that spreads rapidly from cell to cell to trigger the contractile mechanism.

Answer 1

Autorhythmicity is the ability of the cardiac muscle to initiate an electrical potential at a fixed rate that triggers the contractile mechanism. This property allows the heart to pump blood consistently.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ability of the cardiac muscle to initiate an electrical potential at a fixed rate that spreads rapidly from cell to cell to trigger the contractile mechanism is known as autorhythmicity. Cardiac muscle is unique in its ability to establish its own electrical impulse without nervous or endocrine control. This property allows the heart to pump blood at a consistent pace.