Atrioventricular (AV) node

Definition

The atrioventricular (AV) node is a cluster of cells situated in the heart between the atria and ventricles that plays a crucial role in regulating the timing of heart muscle contractions by delaying electrical signals. This delay ensures that the atria have finished contracting to fill the ventricles with blood before they themselves contract.

Related terms

Sinoatrial (SA) node: The heart's natural pacemaker, which initiates the electrical impulses that set the rhythm for heart contractions.

Bundle of His:

A pathway of specialized cardiac muscle fibers that transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles of the heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A test that records the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to monitor its condition and performance