Which structure is the primary pacemaker of the heart and its typical rate?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Study for the Cardiac HealthStream Telemetry Exam. Dive into detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which structure is the primary pacemaker of the heart and its typical rate?

Explanation:
The heart’s rhythm is controlled by specialized cells in the conduction system, and the one that sets the pace is the sinoatrial (SA) node. It has the fastest intrinsic firing rate, so its impulses determine the heart’s regular rhythm under normal conditions. This results in a typical resting rate of about 60–100 beats per minute. Other pacemakers in the AV node and Purkinje fibers have slower intrinsic rates (AV node roughly 40–60 bpm, Purkinje even slower), so they only take over if the SA node fails. That’s why the SA node is the primary pacemaker and why its typical rate is 60–100 bpm.

The heart’s rhythm is controlled by specialized cells in the conduction system, and the one that sets the pace is the sinoatrial (SA) node. It has the fastest intrinsic firing rate, so its impulses determine the heart’s regular rhythm under normal conditions. This results in a typical resting rate of about 60–100 beats per minute. Other pacemakers in the AV node and Purkinje fibers have slower intrinsic rates (AV node roughly 40–60 bpm, Purkinje even slower), so they only take over if the SA node fails. That’s why the SA node is the primary pacemaker and why its typical rate is 60–100 bpm.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy