Each contraction cycle of the heart follows a precise sequence: the atria contract first and then the ventricles.Nodal cells and conducting fibers coordinate the contractions that make up each cycle.
The function of any pump is to
develop pressure
move volume of fluid in specific direction with acceptable speed
The heart works in cycles of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole), and pressure within each chamber rises and falls within each cycle
Ability to generate and conduct impulses is called autorhythmicity
Cardiac contractions are coordinated by specialized conducting cells
Two distinct populations of cardiac cells:
nodal cells establish the rate of cardiac contraction
conducting cells distribute the contractile stimulus to the myocardium
SUMMARY
Cardiac muscle tissue contracts on its own, without neutral or hormonal stimulation. This is called autorhythmicity
Nodal cells establish the rate of cardiac contraction, and conducting cells distribute the contractile stimulus to the general myocardium
