Atrioventricular bundle branches

Definition

Atrioventricular bundle branches are specialized cardiac muscle fibers that conduct electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node down through the heart, ensuring coordinated contraction of the ventricles. They are part of the heart's electrical conduction system that controls the heart rate and rhythm.

Related terms

Atrioventricular Node: A cluster of cells situated in the heart between the atria and ventricles that acts as a critical relay point for electrical signals controlling heartbeat.

Sinoatrial Node: The heart's natural pacemaker, located in the right atrium, which initiates each heartbeat by generating an electrical impulse that spreads throughout the heart.

Purkinje Fibers: Specialized conducting fibers spread throughout the ventricles of the heart that relay impulses from the atrioventricular bundle branches to ensure uniform contraction of the ventricles