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atrioventricular node

anatomy
Also known as: A-V node

Quick Summary

The atrioventricular (AV) node is a small mass of specialized tissue located in the right atrioventricular region of the heart. It plays a crucial role in regulating the heart's rhythm by transmitting electrical impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node to the ventricles.12

Cardiac muscle cells have unique properties, including contractility and rhythmicity, which allow the heart to pump blood efficiently. The coordinated contraction of the atria and ventricles is essential for this process. The AV node, along with the SA node and other conducting tissues, forms an elaborate system that ensures synchronized electrical activity throughout the heart. This electrical signaling, driven by the flow of ions across cell membranes, triggers muscle contractions and maintains the heart's rhythmic beating.34

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