Entity: SINOARTRIAL-NODE
The Sinoatrial Node, also known as the sinus node, is a small mass of tissue in the right atrium of the heart that acts as the pacemaker by generating electrical impulses to initiate heart contractions.
SINOATRIAL NODE
Etymology
The term 'Sinoatrial Node' is derived from the Latin words 'sinus' meaning 'curve' or 'bend' and 'atrium' referring to the heart's upper chambers.
Definition
The Sinoatrial Node, also known as the sinus node, is a small mass of tissue in the right atrium functioning as the pacemaker of the heart by giving rise to the electric impulses that initiate heart contractions.
Historical Context
Discovered by medical student Martin Flack in the early 1900s, the SA node represents a cluster of myocytes with pacemaker activity that generates electrical impulses to regulate the heart's rhythm and rate.
Cultural Significance
The Sinoatrial Node is crucial for maintaining a regular heartbeat and is often referred to as the heart's pacemaker, highlighting its significance in cardiovascular health and function.
Related Concepts
Other related concepts include cardiac pacemakers, heart rate regulation, and the anatomy of the heart's electrical conduction system.
See Also
A vital cluster of myocytes with pacemaker activity located in the upper back wall of the right atrium, responsible for setting the rhythm and rate of the heart.