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Biology AS CIE

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  1. 1-cell-structure
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  6. 6-nucleic-acids-and-protein-synthesis
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Exam code:9700

Heart action: initiation & control

  • Control of the basic heartbeat is myogenic, which means the heart will beat without any external stimulus

  • This intrinsic rhythm means the heart beats at around 60 times per minute

  • The sinoatrial node (SAN) is a group of cells in the wall of the right atrium

    • The SAN initiates a wave of depolarisation that causes the atria to contract

  • The Annulus fibrosus is a region of non-conducting tissue which prevents the depolarisation spreading straight to the ventricles

    • Instead, the depolarisation is carried to the atrioventricular node (AVN)

    • This is a region of conducting tissue between atria and ventricles

  • After a slight delay, the AVN is stimulated and passes the stimulation along the bundle of His

    • This delay means that the ventricles contract after the atria

  • The bundle of His is a collection of conducting tissue in the septum (middle) of the heart

    • The bundle of His divides into two conducting fibres, called Purkyne tissue, and carries the wave of excitation along them

  • The Purkyne fibres spread around the ventricles and initiate the depolarization of the ventricles from the apex (bottom) of the heart

    • This makes the ventricles contract and blood is forced out of the pulmonary artery and aorta

Stage in cardiac cycle sequence

Event

1

Sinoatrial node sends out a wave of excitation

2

Atria contract

3

Atrioventricular node sends out a wave of excitation

4

Purkyne tissue conducts the wave of excitation

5

Ventricles contract

Diagram of heart showing depolarisation pathway: starts at sinoatrial node, through atrioventricular node, bundle of His, Purkyně fibres to apex.
The wave of depolarisation spreads across the heart in a coordinated manner

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Remember that the heart is myogenic, which means that the heart will generate a heartbeat by itself and without any other stimulation. Instead, the electrical activity of the heart regulates the heart rate. Be aware that you may sometimes see an alternative spelling of “Purkyne” as “Purkinje” they mean the exact same thing!

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