Purkinje fiber

Purkinje fibers are specialized cardiac muscle cells in the heart that play a crucial role in the heart's electrical conduction system. They are named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who discovered them in 1839.

Anatomy

Purkinje fibers are located in the inner ventricular walls of the heart, just beneath the endocardium. These fibers are specialized myocardial cells, which are structurally and functionally different from the cells of the outer myocardium.

Function

The primary role of Purkinje fibers is to conduct electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node (AV node) to the ventricles of the heart. This rapid conduction of impulses allows for the simultaneous contraction of the ventricles, which is essential for effective pumping of blood.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the Purkinje fibers can lead to various types of cardiac arrhythmias. For example, damage to these fibers can result in bundle branch block, a condition where the electrical impulses are delayed or blocked before they reach the ventricles. This can lead to a slow or irregular heartbeat.

Research

Research into the Purkinje fibers continues to be an active area of study in cardiology. Understanding the precise mechanisms of these fibers can lead to new treatments for heart diseases and conditions.

See also

• Cardiac conduction system
• Cardiac muscle
• Cardiac arrhythmia