Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart2h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

Anatomy & Physiology

18. The Heart

Electrical Conduction System of the Heart

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Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes intrinsic conduction of the heart?

Cells within the heart can initiate and transmit action potentials without nervous system input.

Cells in the heart can beat continually without fatigue.

Cells in the heart follow a specific rhythm that is set by the brain stem.

Cells in the heart pass action potentials between cells using gap junctions instead of neurotransmitters.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of intrinsic conduction: Intrinsic conduction refers to the heart's ability to generate and transmit electrical impulses independently of the nervous system. This is due to specialized cardiac cells known as pacemaker cells.

Identify the role of pacemaker cells: These cells, primarily located in the sinoatrial (SA) node, are responsible for initiating the action potentials that set the rhythm of the heart. They do not require input from the nervous system to function.

Explore the mechanism of action potential transmission: Action potentials in the heart are transmitted between cells through gap junctions. These junctions allow ions to pass directly from one cell to another, facilitating rapid and coordinated contraction.

Differentiate from nervous system input: While the nervous system can influence heart rate and strength of contraction, the intrinsic conduction system operates independently, ensuring the heart can function autonomously.

Clarify the role of fatigue resistance: Cardiac cells are adapted to resist fatigue, allowing the heart to beat continuously throughout a person's life without tiring, which is a separate characteristic from intrinsic conduction.