Glossary
Action Potential
This is a short-lasting event which occurs when a neuron is sending electrical information down an axon ----in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls.
Arrhythmia
Is anther word for irregular heartbeat leading to disturbance in the normal electrical rhythm of the heart.
Chordae Tendinae
Also known as 'heart strings', tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the Atrio-Ventricular valves.
Deoxygenated Blood
Blood with high concentrations of Carbon dioxide and low Oxygen concentrations.
Diastole
The term used for Relaxation of the heart
Oxygenated Blood
Blood with high concentration of Oxygen.
Papillary Muscles
These are muscles used to hold the valves in position. They are only present in the ventricles.
Purkinje Fibres
Collection of tissue that conducts the wave of excitation transmitted from the Atrio-Ventricular node to the Bundle of His.
P wave
is the signal from the SA node which spreads through both the atria and depolarises them.
PR interval
Indicates the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the SA node to the AV node. It can also be a good idicator of how efficient the AV node is.