The purpose of the AV node is to _______, and the purpose of the Purkinje fibers is to _______.
A) create simultaneous atrial and ventricular depolarization; speed up transmission of the cardiac impulse into the ventricle
B) delay ventricular depolarization relative to atrial depolarization; insulate the cardiac impulse from the general ventricular fibers
C) delay ventricular depolarization relative to atrial depolarization; ensure the cardiac impulse spreads rapidly and evenly throughout the ventricles
D) delay atrial depolarization relative to ventricular depolarization; transmit the cardiac impulse to very small, localized groups of ventricular fibers
E) initiate each heartbeat; transmit impulses to the atria

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The AV node's purpose is to delay ventricular depolarization relative to atrial depolarization, while the Purkinje fibers' purpose is to ensure the cardiac impulse spreads rapidly and evenly throughout the ventricles. Choice C is the only option that accurately describes both the AV node and the Purkinje fibers' functions.

The Purpose of the AV Node Is to _______, and the Purpose