In the normal heart, the sinoatrial (SA) node has the highest rate of discharge and sets the rate of depolarization for the heart as a whole.
The SA node is often referred to as the "natural pacemaker" of the heart because it generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat.
These impulses spread through the atria, causing them to contract, and then travel to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which relays the signal to the ventricles, leading to their contraction.
The SA node plays a vital role in maintaining the regular rhythm of the heart and ensuring effective coordination between the atria and ventricles. Any malfunction in the SA node can result in abnormal heart rhythms, such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate). In such cases, medical interventions may be necessary to restore the normal rhythm of the heart.
So, the SA node plays a crucial role in coordinating the rhythmic contractions of the heart.
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