Bundle of His

Definition

A bundle of His is a collection of heart muscle cells specialized for electrical conduction. It transmits the electrical impulses from the atrioventricular (AV) node to the ventricles, ensuring coordinated contraction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The bundle of His is crucial for synchronizing ventricular contraction.
2. It is located in the interventricular septum between the atria and ventricles.
3. Damage to the bundle of His can lead to arrhythmias or heart block.
4. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, can affect its function.
5. The bundle of His splits into right and left bundle branches that transmit impulses to their respective ventricles.

Review Questions

• What role does the bundle of His play in cardiac conduction?
• Where is the bundle of His located within the heart?
• How can nutritional deficiencies impact the function of the bundle of His?

Related terms

Atrioventricular (AV) Node: A part of the cardiac conduction system that delays impulses before they pass to the ventricles.

Purkinje Fibers: Specialized conductive fibers located within the walls of the ventricles that help propagate action potentials efficiently.

Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat resulting from improper coordination of electrical signals in the heart.