Top and bottom chambers coordinate contractions through electrical signals ; electrical signals can get blocked (heart block)
The sinoatrial node (SA) is the pacemaker for the heart and sets the rhythm of the heart.
Sinoatrial node (SA) is found in the upper right atrium
Pacemaker cells generate action potential
Action potential needs to travel for the heart to be in sync
Sinoatrial cells have a negative charge when resting
Cardiac skeleton forces the signal from the SA node to the AV node.
Atrioventricular node (AV) is found in the bottom of the right atrium Atrium meets ventricle. Bottom atrium
Purkinje fibers is the special tissue in the ventricles that carries the signal
Abnormal levels of potassium and calcium ions can cause heart issues
Heart block is damage to the AV node preventing the ventricles to receive impulses
Arrhythmia is caused by problems with electrical conduction
