What is the normal intrinsic rate of the AV node?

Prepare for the MyMichigan Telemetry Monitoring and Management Test. Utilize flashcards, multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Master your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the normal intrinsic rate of the AV node?

Explanation:
Intrinsic rate refers to the spontaneous firing rate of a pacemaker tissue when it isn’t driven by higher-order control. The AV node has automaticity, but its cells depolarize more slowly than the SA node, giving it an intrinsic rate around 40-60 beats per minute. This slower pace suits its role as a secondary pacemaker and as the gatekeeper that delays conduction from atria to ventricles. If the primary pacemaker fails, the AV node can take over at this 40-60 bpm range. By contrast, the SA node typically paces at 60-100 bpm, and ventricular pacemaker tissue around 20-40 bpm. So the normal intrinsic rate of the AV node is 40-60 bpm.

Intrinsic rate refers to the spontaneous firing rate of a pacemaker tissue when it isn’t driven by higher-order control. The AV node has automaticity, but its cells depolarize more slowly than the SA node, giving it an intrinsic rate around 40-60 beats per minute. This slower pace suits its role as a secondary pacemaker and as the gatekeeper that delays conduction from atria to ventricles. If the primary pacemaker fails, the AV node can take over at this 40-60 bpm range. By contrast, the SA node typically paces at 60-100 bpm, and ventricular pacemaker tissue around 20-40 bpm. So the normal intrinsic rate of the AV node is 40-60 bpm.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy