The AV bundle, also known as the atrioventricular bundle or bundle of His, is a crucial part of the heart's electrical conduction system.
What the AV Bundle Does
The AV bundle plays a vital role in ensuring the ventricles contract in a coordinated manner after the atria. Here's a breakdown:
- Continuation of the AV Node: As stated in the reference, the AV bundle is a continuation of the specialized tissue found in the AV (atrioventricular) node. It acts as a bridge, carrying electrical signals onward.
- Signal Transmission: The AV bundle’s primary purpose is to transmit the electrical impulse received from the AV node.
- Destination: This electrical impulse is then carried to the Purkinje fibers, which are responsible for triggering the contraction of the heart's ventricles.
Key Functions Summarized
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Signal Transfer | Carries the electrical signal from the AV node to the ventricles. |
| Coordination | Helps coordinate the heart's rhythm, ensuring ventricles contract after atria, for effective pumping. |
| Essential Component | Part of the heart's specialized electrical system. |
- No direct contraction: The AV bundle itself does not contract or cause the heart to contract, but rather facilitates the transmission of the signal to other parts that do.
In simple terms, the AV bundle is like an electrical cable in your heart that makes sure the bottom chambers pump at the right time after the top chambers.
