Abstract
The atrioventricular junction is a pivotal component of the cardiac conduction system, a key electrical relay site between the atria and the ventricles. The sophisticated functions carried out by the atrioventricular junction are possible for the presence of a complex apparatus made of specialized anatomic structures, cells with specific ion-channel expression, a well-organized spatial distribution of intercellular junctions (connexins), cells with intrinsic automatism, and a rich autonomic innervation. This article reviews the main anatomic and electrophysiologic features of the atrioventricular junction, with a focus on cardiac preexcitation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 411-433 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2017 |
Keywords
- Accessory pathway
- Atrioventricular junction
- Cardiac pre-excitation
- PR interval
- Wenckebach periodicity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)