What is the primary purpose of Purkinje fibers in the heart?

The primary purpose of Purkinje fibers in the heart is to conduct impulses to the ventricles. These specialized fibers are an integral part of the heart's conduction system, primarily responsible for ensuring that the electrical signals generated by the sinoatrial node and transmitted through the atrioventricular node reach the ventricular muscle cells rapidly and efficiently.

When the electrical impulse travels through the conduction pathway of the heart, the Purkinje fibers allow for an immediate and coordinated contraction of the ventricles. This is crucial for effective pumping of blood out of the heart. Located in the inner ventricular walls, they ensure that contraction occurs from the bottom up, pushing blood into the arteries.

Other options relate to different functions within the cardiac system, such as initiating the heartbeat, regulating heart rate, or supplying blood to the heart muscle itself (myocardium), but these actions are primarily handled by other components of the heart’s electrical and circulatory networks. The role of Purkinje fibers specifically centers on impulse conduction, which is vital for maintaining efficient cardiac function.