Monday, August 20, 2012

STPM Biology - chapter 8: Revision essay question 4

4. Write down the control of heart beat by Sinoatrial node

 Answer


Heartbeat is myogenic,that is the beatings of the heart are started by cardiac muscles and not by external stimulation.The excitation that starts the heart beat originates  from the sinoatrial node(SAN).Sinoatrial node(SAN) is a patch of specialized cardiac muscle tissues located in the  wall of the right atrium near the entry of the vena cava.SAN is responsible for starting the heartbeat and the control of instrinsic rate of heart beat.The popential difference across the plasma membrane of SAN is -90mV.SAN cells have a permanent high permeability towards natrium ions.Natrium ions diffuse into SAN tissue cells continuously and depolarize these cells.This depolarization will generate wavw of excitation that are transmitted out of SAN to produce contraction of the heart.The wave of excitation is conducted from SAN to the walls of both atria.This causes both atria to contract simultaneously;atrial systole occurs.Atrioventricular node (AVN) is a specialized myocardial tissue that is similar to SAN.AVN is located in the wall between the atrium and the ventricle.AVN is connected to the Fine branches from the bundle of His are called Purkinje fibers. Purkinje fibres permeates the muscles of the entire ventricular wall.As the atrium begins to contract,the wave of excitation from SAN reaches AVN.AVN then transmits this excitation via the bundle of His to the apex of the ventricle.From this apex,the wave of excitation are then transmitted to the ventricular muscles via the Purkinje fibers.Such mode of transmission causes both ventricles to contract from the apex,forcing the blood out of the heart into the pulmonary artery and aorta.Contracting cardiac muscles cannot be stimulated by any other stimulation until it relaxes again.This period where the muscles are insensitive is called absolute refractory period.Cardiac muscles have a longer absolute refractory period compared to other muscles.Because of his nature,the heart can contract quickly and strongly without experiencing gatigue or oxygen debts.Ventricular systole is followedby ventricular diastole.

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