The human heart is a complex organ that requires a coordinated electrical system to function properly. The atrioventricular node (A-V node) is a vital component of this system, responsible for regulating the rhythm of the heart. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the A-V node, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The A-V node is a specialized group of cells located in the lower part of the right atrium of the heart. It acts as a gateway between the atria and ventricles, allowing electrical impulses to pass from the atria to the ventricles. The A-V node delays the electrical impulse slightly, giving the atria time to contract before the ventricles do.
Origin
The A-V node was first discovered in 1906 by the British physiologist Sir Arthur Keith. He found that the A-V node was responsible for the delay between the contraction of the atria and ventricles.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the A-V node is “a small mass of specialized cardiac muscle fibers located in the septal wall of the right atrium that receives impulses from the sinoatrial node and conducts them to the atrioventricular bundle.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a specialized mass of conducting tissue in the heart that receives impulses from the sinoatrial node and conducts them to the ventricles.”
Associations
The A-V node is closely associated with other parts of the heart’s electrical system, including the sinoatrial node (SA node), the atrioventricular bundle (AV bundle), and the Purkinje fibers. Together, these structures ensure that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner.
Synonyms
Synonyms for the A-V node include the atrioventricular node, the AV node, and the Aschoff-Tawara node (named after the German pathologist Ludwig Aschoff and the Japanese physiologist Sunao Tawara).
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for the A-V node, as it is a unique structure within the heart’s electrical system.
The same root words
The root words of A-V node are “atrioventricular.” The term “atrioventricular” refers to the connection between the atria and ventricles of the heart.
Example Sentences
- The A-V node plays a crucial role in regulating the rhythm of the heart.
- Damage to the A-V node can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities.
- The A-V node delays the electrical impulse slightly to allow for proper coordination of the heart’s contractions.
- The Aschoff-Tawara node is another name for the A-V node.
- The sinoatrial node sends electrical impulses to the A-V node, which then conducts them to the ventricles.