When the SA node sends action potential to the AV node, it is delayed so that the AV valve can close.

CARDIOVASCULAR PHYSIOLOGY

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Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]

A	False
B	True
C	Either A or B
D	None of the above

Explanation:

Detailed explanation-1: -Action potentials generated cyclically by the SA node spread around the right atrium and left atrium, causing them to contract, forcing their contents into the ventricles. This wave of depolarisation then reaches the atrioventricular node (AV node) which is the entry point for action potentials to the ventricles.

Detailed explanation-2: -The delay ensures that your atria are empty of blood before the contraction stops. The atria are the heart’s upper chambers. They receive blood from your body and empty it into the ventricles.

Detailed explanation-3: -Clinical Significance. Without this brief delay in the electrical impulse, the atria would not be able to finish beating-allowing the ventricles to completely fill with blood-before the ventricles themselves begin to beat.

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