The term "bundle of His" refers to a collection of specialized muscle fibers in the heart that help regulate its heartbeat. The spelling of this word can be a bit confusing, as "His" is not pronounced like the possessive pronoun "his." Instead, it is pronounced as /hɪz/ (hiss), with the "s" sound at the end pronounced like a "z." This is because the term is named after Wilhelm His Jr., the German anatomist who discovered these fibers in 1893.
The bundle of His, also known as the atrioventricular bundle, is a specialized group of cardiac muscle fibers located in the upper portion of the heart's interventricular septum. It plays a crucial role in electrical conduction within the heart, facilitating the transmission of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles.
Specifically, the bundle of His serves as the primary pathway through which electrical signals travel from the atrioventricular node (AV node) to the ventricles. This pathway ensures coordinated contractions of the heart chambers, allowing for efficient pumping of blood throughout the body.
The bundle of His consists of thin, rapidly conducting fibers that rapidly relay electrical signals. These fibers divide into two main branches – the left and right bundle branches – which extend along the interventricular septum toward the apex of the heart. Eventually, these branches give rise to smaller fibers called Purkinje fibers, which further disperse electrical impulses to the muscular walls of both ventricles.
Disruptions in the bundle of His can lead to various cardiac conduction disorders, such as bundle branch block or complete heart block. These conditions can cause delays or blocks in the transmission of electrical signals, resulting in abnormal heartbeat rhythms and compromised cardiac function.
Overall, the bundle of His is a vital anatomical structure within the heart that ensures efficient electrical conduction and proper coordination of the heart's pumping action.