MODULE 2

Topic 3 THE UPTAKE AND TRANSPORT OF WATER AND

MINERALS
2017 #2 b
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Topic 4 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM IN MAMMALS
2018 #2 b
2016 #2 a
2015 #2 c
2015 #5 b&c
CARDIAC CYCLE INITIATION
Role of SAN
The heart muscle is myogenic and initiates a heartbeat through an electrical conduction
system; both the sinoatrial node and atrio-ventricular node are essential in this mechanism.
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is a region of cardiac fibres located in the right atrium. These are
initiated spontaneously because the myocytes (heart cells) are myogenic. The electrical wave of
stimulation is initiated here and extends over the two atria, causing them to contract. It is often
referred to as the pacemaker of the heart.

Role of the AVN

The atrioventricular node is a region of cardiac fibres located between the two atria. The
electrical stimulation, initiated in the SAN, is transferred through this region to the ventricles.
These impulses reach the atrio-ventricular node (AVN) which then delays the impulse any
further to allow the atria to contract and push the blood in the atria through to the ventricles,
emptying the atria.
Role of Bundle of His and Purkinje (Purkyne) Fibres
The excitation then passes down the Bundle of His, into branching Purkinje fibres down to the
apex of the heart, before reaching the ventricle walls and causing them to contract from the
apex. Ventricular contraction is initated from the base or apex of the heart upwards to empty
the blood from the ventricles into the aorta and pulmonary artery.
2014 #2
2014 #6a