Which sequence describes the cardiac intrinsic conduction pathway from start to finish?

Study for the Heart Physiology Exam. Review key concepts with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your test!

The correct sequence described in option B accurately represents the pathway through which electrical impulses travel within the heart, initiating and coordinating its contractions.

The process begins at the SA (sinoatrial) node, which is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart. It generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat. From the SA node, the impulses spread through the atria, causing them to contract and push blood into the ventricles. Next, the electrical signal travels to the AV (atrioventricular) node, which serves as a critical delay mechanism. This delay allows the ventricles to fill with blood before they contract.

Following the AV node, the impulses move into the bundle of His (also known as the atrioventricular bundle), which transmits the signal into the ventricular conduction system. The bundle of His then divides into right and left bundle branches that run along the interventricular septum. These branches further conduct the signal toward the Purkinje fibers, which spread throughout the ventricular myocardium, triggering the contraction of the ventricles.

Overall, the sequence begins at the SA node, moves to the AV node, then the bundle of His, diverges into the bundle branches, and finally reaches the Purkinje fibers, which

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