atrioventricular node

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Word: Atrioventricular Node

Part of Speech: Noun

Simple Explanation:

The atrioventricular node (often shortened to AV node) is a small part of the heart made up of special muscle cells. It's located in the wall between the right atrium (the upper chamber of the heart) and the right ventricle (the lower chamber). The AV node plays a crucial role in controlling the heartbeat by receiving electrical signals from another part of the heart called the sinoatrial node (SA node) and then sending those signals to the ventricles, which are responsible for pumping blood out of the heart.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use the term "atrioventricular node" when discussing topics related to the heart, cardiology, or health sciences.
• Context: This term is commonly used in medical settings, especially in discussions about heart function, arrhythmias, or heart diseases.

Example:

• "The doctor explained that the atrioventricular node is essential for coordinating the heart’s rhythm."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might come across terms related to the atrioventricular node, such as "AV block," which refers to a condition where the electrical signals are delayed or blocked at the AV node, affecting how the heart beats.

Word Variants:

• Atrioventricular: This is an adjective that describes anything related to both the atria and ventricles of the heart.
• Node: This can refer to other similar structures in the body, such as lymph nodes.

Different Meanings:

While "atrioventricular node" has a specific meaning in cardiology, the word "node" itself can refer to a point of intersection or connection in various contexts, such as in computer networks or in biology (e.g., a node in a plant).

Synonyms:

There are no direct synonyms for "atrioventricular node," but you might refer to it more informally as the "AV node."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "atrioventricular node." However, in medical discussions, you might encounter phrases like "heart block" or "signal transmission," which relate to the function of the AV node.

Summary:

The atrioventricular node is a vital component of the heart's electrical system that helps maintain a regular heartbeat by managing the timing of electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles.

Academic

Noun

1. a node of specialized heart muscle located in the septal wall of the right atrium; receives impulses from the sinoatrial node and transmits them to atrioventricular bundle