If both the SA node and the AV node fail, what would be the expected outcome of impulse rate within the heart?
A)The heart is autorhythmic therefore it continually beats even after death because death is defined as a lack of brain waves.
B)The sympathetic nervous system takes over and maintains normal heart rate.
C)The vagus nerve takes over and maintains a normal heart rate.
D)The rate would be 30- 40 beats per minute due to the concentration of pacemaker cells in the Purkinje fibers.
E)The individual would be in heart failure or have a myocardial infarction due to the lack of a beating heart.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Purkinje fibers can act as a secondary pacemaker, generating a slower heart rate of 30-40 beats per minute if both the SA and AV nodes fail.

If Both the SA Node and the AV Node Fail