Describe the pathway of electrical activity in the heart during the cardiac cycle.

The wave of excitation originates in the sinoatrial node in the right atrium. From there, it travels through the right and left atria, causing contraction of the atria (atrial systole). It is prevented from travelling further by the atrioventricular node.From the atrioventricular node the wave travels down the septum through the bundle of His and then splits and travels up through the Purkinje fibres, causing contraction of the ventricles (ventricular systole).

JW
Answered by Josh W. Biology tutor

3057 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does the body's response to a second infection by a bacterial pathogen differ from the first? (3 marks)


What makes up a DNA nucleotide?


Why does the haemoglobin dissociation curve shift to the right when an individual exercises.


What are the steps involved in the mark-release-recapture technique and which factors does it rely upon?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning