Which node is responsible for generating electrical impulses in the heart?

The sinoatrial node is often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker. It is located in the right atrium and is primarily responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that stimulate the heartbeat. This node generates electrical signals at regular intervals, which then spreads throughout the heart tissue, causing the heart muscles to contract in a coordinated manner.

Its role is crucial because it sets the pace for the entire cardiac cycle. When the sinoatrial node fires, it triggers the atria to contract and push blood into the ventricles. This impulse then travels to the atrioventricular node and through the Bundle of His to the Purkinje fibers, coordinating the contractions of the heart’s chambers.

Understanding the role of the sinoatrial node is fundamental in studying cardiovascular physiology, as any dysfunction in this node can lead to arrhythmias and other heart conditions.