Abstract
In this article, the authors outline the key components behind the automated generation of the cardiac impulses and the effect these impulses have on cardiac myocytes. Also, a description of the key components of the normal cardiac conduction system is provided, including the sinoatrial node, the atrioventricular node, the His bundle, the bundle branches, and the Purkinje network. Finally, an outline of how each stage of the cardiac conduction system is represented on the electrocardiogram is described, allowing the reader of the electrocardiogram to translate background information about the normal cardiac conduction system to everyday clinical practice.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 269-279 |
Journal | Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 3 |
Early online date | 22 Jun 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - Sept 2016 |
Keywords
- Action potential
- Cardiac conduction system
- Electrocardiogram
- ECG
- Automaticity
- Cardiac impulse