Which statement about the conduction system in the mammalian heart is false?
A) Gap junctions between cells of the atria and cells of the ventricles allow action potentials to spread directly from the atria to the ventricles.
B) Atrial depolarization leads directly to depolarization of the atrioventricular node.
C) Cells of the atria are electrically coupled and contract in unison.
D) Following atrial contraction there is a slight delay, and then the ventricles contract.
E) Purkinje fibers penetrate the walls of the ventricles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gap junctions do not directly connect the atrial and ventricular cells across the heart. Instead, the action potentials from the atria to the ventricles are mediated through the atrioventricular node (AV node), which then transmits the signal to the ventricles via the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers, ensuring a coordinated contraction.

Which Statement About the Conduction System in the Mammalian Heart