…activation of the ventricular myocardium. The ventricles should be depolarized (activated) by impulses spreading through the left and right bundle branch, which branches out into…

…discussed, all cardiac cells—both conduction and contractile cells—must undergo rapid repolarization to ensure they are excitable when the next action potential occurs. If…

…His, bundle branches (left and right bundle branch), and Purkinje fibers. The conduction system allows for rapid spread of the depolarization to the contractile cells…

…ventricular contraction. In contrast, contractile cells–and Purkinje fibers in particular–are rich in gap junctions, enabling rapid impulse conduction through the ventricles. After passing…

…Other causes include acute mechanical complications—particularly ventricular septal defect (VSD) and papillary muscle rupture with acute severe mitral regurgitation—predominant right ventricular (RV) infarction…

…discussed in detail in the articles on left ventricular enlargement, right ventricular enlargement and atrial enlargement. Below follows a discussion on the principles and differences…

…7 ). The explanation for this is as follows: The vector resulting from activation of the right ventricle does not come to expression , because it is…

…intrinsic automaticity The sinus node is a small oval structure located near the entrance of the superior vena cava in the right atrium (Figure 1)…

Echocardiography Echocardiographic assessment of regional contractile function Systolic ventricular function is one of the strongest predictors of total and cardiovascular mortality. Previous chapters have discussed…

Echocardiography Structure and contractile function of myocardial fibers The left ventricular wall can be subdivided into several layers. These layers are similar to those seen…