Which pathway is involved in delivering impulses to the apex of the heart?

The pathway that is primarily responsible for delivering impulses to the apex of the heart is the Purkinje fibers. These specialized fibers are part of the conduction system of the heart and are crucial for coordinating the contraction of the ventricles.

When an electrical impulse is generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, it travels through the atria, then to the atrioventricular (AV) node, and subsequently down the bundle of His. From there, the impulse splits into the left and right bundle branches, which extend through the interventricular septum. The left and right bundle branches further divide into Purkinje fibers that spread throughout the ventricular myocardium, allowing for rapid and even distribution of the electrical impulse. This distribution is vital for ensuring that the heart contracts efficiently from the apex upwards towards the base, enhancing blood ejection into the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Thus, while the left and right bundle branches also play significant roles in the conduction pathway, the Purkinje fibers are specifically responsible for delivering the impulse directly to the apex, ensuring coordinated contraction of the ventricles.