What role does the atrioventricular (AV) node play in the cardiac conduction system?

The atrioventricular (AV) node serves a crucial function in the cardiac conduction system by conducting electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. This node acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that the electrical signals generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node in the atria are transmitted to the ventricles in a coordinated manner. The AV node provides a critical delay between atrial contraction and ventricular contraction, allowing time for the ventricles to fill with blood before they pump it out.

This coordination is essential for effective heart function, as it prevents the atria and ventricles from contracting simultaneously, which would compromise the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. As a result, the AV node plays a key role in maintaining the overall rhythm and timing of the heart's contractions. Understanding this function highlights the importance of the AV node in the conduction system and its contribution to the heart's overall performance.