The Atrio Ventricular Node, or AV Node, is an important component of the heart's electrical conduction system. The word "atrio" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈeɪtri.oʊ/, indicating a long "a" sound and a stressed syllable. "Ventricular" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər/, indicating a stressed second syllable and a "k" sound instead of a "c" sound. "Node" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /noʊd/, indicating a silent "e" at the end and a stressed first syllable.
The atrioventricular node (AV node) is a specialized cluster of cells located in the lower part of the right atrium of the heart. It serves as a crucial component of the electrical conduction system in the heart, facilitating the coordination and synchronization of the heart's contractions.
Functionally, the AV node acts as the electrical gateway between the atria and the ventricles. It receives electrical signals, known as action potentials, from the sinoatrial node (SA node) located in the right atrium. These signals initiate the heart's contraction. The AV node then delays the transmission of the electrical impulse to allow for the atria to contract and push blood into the ventricles effectively. This delay is vital as it ensures that the ventricles have enough time to fill with blood before contracting.
Once the electrical signal passes through the AV node, it travels down to the ventricles via specialized pathways called the Bundle of His and the Purkinje fibers. These fibers distribute the electrical impulse throughout the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood out to the rest of the body.
The proper functioning of the AV node is essential for maintaining a coordinated heartbeat. Dysfunction or abnormalities in the AV node can disrupt the normal electrical conduction and result in heart rhythm disorders or irregular heartbeats. In some cases, medical interventions such as medication or procedures may be required to correct AV node abnormalities and restore normal heart function.