Which branches carry cardiac impulses toward the apex of the heart?

The correct choice is the bundle branches, which are crucial components of the cardiac conduction system. After the electrical impulses are generated in the sinoatrial (SA) node and transmitted through the atrioventricular (AV) node, they travel down the Bundle of His. This structure then splits into the right and left bundle branches, which extend along the interventricular septum toward the apex of the heart. This pathway is essential because it ensures that the electrical signals are delivered efficiently and rapidly to the muscle fibers of the ventricles, allowing for a coordinated contraction.

By reaching the apex before moving back up through the ventricular walls, the impulses enable the heart to contract from the bottom up, effectively pushing blood out of the ventricles and into the pulmonary artery and aorta. This mechanism is vital for maintaining effective blood circulation throughout the body.