ACCESSORY PATHWAY Meaning and
Definition
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An accessory pathway, also known as an accessory conduction pathway or an anomalous pathway, is an abnormal electrical connection between the atria and the ventricles in the heart. It is an additional route for the electrical impulses to travel apart from the normal electrical conduction system of the heart, which includes the atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers.
In a healthy heart, the electrical signals originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node pass through the AV node to reach the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood. However, in the presence of an accessory pathway, the electrical impulses can bypass the AV node and directly activate the ventricles. This can result in an abnormal electrical circuit, causing rapid and irregular heart rhythms, known as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
The presence of an accessory pathway can lead to conditions such as Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, which is characterized by recurrent episodes of rapid heart rate and palpitations. In some cases, the accessory pathway may remain dormant and cause no symptoms. However, it can become activated spontaneously or triggered by certain factors, leading to the onset of SVT.
Treatment options for accessory pathway-related conditions include medications to control heart rate or rhythm, catheter ablation to eliminate the abnormal pathway, or a combination of both. The specific management approach depends on various factors including the individual's symptoms, the type and location of the accessory pathway, and overall cardiovascular health.
Common Misspellings for ACCESSORY PATHWAY
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Etymology of ACCESSORY PATHWAY
The etymology of the word "accessory" can be traced back to the Latin word "accessorius", which means "additional" or "extra". It is derived from the verb "accedere", which means "to go to" or "to approach". The word "pathway", on the other hand, derives from the Old English word "pæðweg", which refers to a way or track. Therefore, the term "accessory pathway" can be understood as an additional or extra route or track within the body. In medicine, it specifically refers to an abnormal extra pathway in the heart that can disrupt the normal electrical signals and lead to certain cardiac conditions.
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