How do electrical impulses control contraction of the heart?

Electrical impulses from the SAN (sinoatrial node) spread across the atria walls to cause contraction. The impulses then pass to the ventricles via the AVN (atrioventricular node) after a short delay to allow time for the atria to fully contract. These impulses then pass down the purkyne fibres to the heart apex. They then spread up through the ventricle walls to cause contraction from the apex upwards. Blood is squeezed into the arteries as a result.

JA
Answered by Jack A. Biology tutor

2502 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What role do calcium ions play in contraction of the sarcomere? (4 marks)


What is osmosis and how does it differ from what I learned at GCSE about diffusion


How can high absorption of salt fro the diet leading to high salt concentration in local capillaries lead to build-up of tissue fluid?


What is cross bridge cycling and why is it important in muscle contraction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning