Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Autorhythmicity is the ability of cardiac muscle cells to initiate their own electrical impulses without needing an external stimulus. This intrinsic property ensures a consistent heart rate and rhythm necessary for efficient blood circulation.
Pacemaker cells: Specialized cardiac cells that generate and regulate the heart's electrical activity, acting as natural pacemakers.
Action potential: The electric charge produced by cardiac muscle cells that triggers muscle contraction, allowing the heart to pump blood.
Sinoatrial (SA) node: Often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker, it is responsible for initiating the heartbeat by generating electrical impulses spontaneously