What happens to electrical impulses once they pass through the AV node?

Once electrical impulses pass through the AV node, they are transmitted to the ventricles. The AV node plays a crucial role in the heart's conduction system by acting as a gatekeeper between the atria and ventricles. It delays the electrical signal slightly after it originates from the sinoatrial (SA) node, allowing the atria to finish contracting and effectively emptying blood into the ventricles before the ventricles begin their contraction. This coordinated timing is essential for maintaining efficient heart function and ensuring optimal blood flow through the heart chambers.

By transmitting the impulse to the ventricles, the AV node allows for a proper contraction sequence, thus facilitating the heart’s pumping action. This timing is vital for proper cardiac function, which means that the correct answer emphasizes the essential role of the AV node in coordinating the electrical impulses leading to ventricular contraction.