Bundle of His

The Bundle of His is an important part of the electrical conduction system of the heart. It transmits electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node (AV node) to the point of the apex of the fascicular branches.

Anatomy

The Bundle of His is located in the endocardium, the innermost layer of the heart. It originates at the AV node and extends down the interventricular septum, dividing into two branches at the apex of the heart. These branches are known as the left and right bundle branches.

Function

The primary function of the Bundle of His is to transmit electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles of the heart. This ensures that the ventricles contract after the atria, which is essential for efficient pumping of blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the Bundle of His can lead to a number of heart conditions. These include bundle branch block, where one or both of the bundle branches are obstructed, and heart block, where the electrical signal is delayed or blocked completely. Both conditions can lead to irregular heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and may require treatment with a pacemaker.

History

The Bundle of His was named after the Swiss cardiologist Wilhelm His Jr., who discovered it in 1893. His work on the electrical conduction system of the heart was groundbreaking and has had a lasting impact on the field of cardiology.

See also

• Electrocardiography
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Cardiac cycle

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  Diagram of the conduction system of the heart
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  Bundle of His