Anatomy
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is the AV Node?

Jacqueline Byrne
Jacqueline Byrne

In the heart, the atria receive blood and pump it into the ventricles, which then pump it back into the body. The atrioventricular (AV) node is a group of cardiac cells located in between the atria and the ventricles that stalls communication between these chambers to allow time for the atria to fully contract before ventricular contraction begins. This delay in communication increases the efficiency of contraction by ensuring that all blood entering the atria is pumped out. A secondary role of the AV node is that it will regulate contraction if the sinoatrial (SA) node that normally initiates contraction fails.

Heart contraction begins when the SA node fires an electrical impulse from its origin at the top of the right atrium. This electrical impulse propagates along the atria, initiating a slow-moving wave of contraction toward the ventricles. As the atria contract, there is an increase in pressure that propels blood into the ventricles. Simultaneously, this electrical impulse rapidly conducts through a chain of non-contractile cells to the AV node. Conduction is slowed through this node, delaying communication to the ventricles to allow for completion of the slower-moving contractile wave. This ensures that all blood is emptied from the atria before the ventricles begin to contract.

When the SA node stops firing impulses in the human heart, the AV node is required to take over as the pacemaker.
When the SA node stops firing impulses in the human heart, the AV node is required to take over as the pacemaker.

After the impulse passes the AV node, it travels down through non-contractile cells in the center of the ventricles to the apex of the heart. The impulse is then propagated upward, initiating a wave of contraction that squeezes blood from the ventricles into the body. The AV node plays a critical role in synchronizing the atria and the ventricles, and if conduction through this node is blocked, it results in a critical condition known as complete heart block.

The AV node lies between the atria, at the top of the heart, and the ventricles, at its base.
The AV node lies between the atria, at the top of the heart, and the ventricles, at its base.

In a healthy heart, the SA node functions as the pacemaker, firing a contraction-initiating impulse approximately 70 times per minute. This frequency of contraction is referred to as the heart rate. In some instances, the SA node will stop firing impulses, and the AV node is required to take over as the pacemaker. In this case, the AV node will fire an impulse that will cause the SA node to fire an impulse and initiate contraction. The impulses generated, however, are less frequent than the impulses of the SA node, at about 50 fires per minute.

A damaged AV node may cause the heart to beat irregularly.
A damaged AV node may cause the heart to beat irregularly.

When the AV node takes over as the pacemaker, it does not in itself initiate the contractile wave. Rather, the electrical impulse that it automatically generates will cause the SA node to fire the contraction-initiating impulse in reaction. Though an individual who has this condition will experience a lower heart rate, this situation ensures that heart failure will not result from failure of the SA node.

Discussion Comments

SpecialBug
@Ahemerus: The failure of the SA node to perform properly is more of a sign that there is already a problem.

It could indicate that the patient has an undiagnosed heart condition that can often be corrected with medication or surgery. Your doctor may order an electrocardiogram.

SpecialBug
@Jewellian: An arrhythmia is the malfunction of the electrical system of the heart. A common arrhythmia that affects the Sinus Node (SA or sinoatrial node), is atrial fibrillation, meaning the heart fibrillates or contracts very fast (the heart beats irregularly).

Symptoms include heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort, but often there are no symptoms at all.

Talk to your health professional if you have symptoms, since AF could be caused by high blood pressure, heart valve disease and other heart maladies.

Jewellian

What is the medical terminology for this condition? Is it related to Atrial Fibrillation, and how is it diagnosed and treated?

I am wondering what causes the SA node to "misfire" in the first place and if the person experiencing the "misfire", notices a drop in their heart rate? In other words, can it be felt physically and how will I know if I have this condition?

Ahmerus

Since the SA node acts as a pacemaker in a healthy heart, how dangerous is it when the SA node fails to perform properly, forcing the AV node to take over as pacemaker?

The post indicates that the result is a slower heart rate, which prevents heart failure. However, are there other risks associated with the improper function of the AV and SA nodes?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • When the SA node stops firing impulses in the human heart, the AV node is required to take over as the pacemaker.
      By: Photographee.eu
      When the SA node stops firing impulses in the human heart, the AV node is required to take over as the pacemaker.
    • The AV node lies between the atria, at the top of the heart, and the ventricles, at its base.
      By: Jenny Thompson
      The AV node lies between the atria, at the top of the heart, and the ventricles, at its base.
    • A damaged AV node may cause the heart to beat irregularly.
      By: sudok1
      A damaged AV node may cause the heart to beat irregularly.
    • Heart contraction begins when the sinoatrial node fires an electrical impulse from its origin at the top of the right atrium.
      By: stockshoppe
      Heart contraction begins when the sinoatrial node fires an electrical impulse from its origin at the top of the right atrium.
    • A complete heart block may occur if conduction through the AV node is blocked.
      By: CLIPAREA.com
      A complete heart block may occur if conduction through the AV node is blocked.