PURKINJE NETWORK Meaning and
Definition
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The Purkinje network refers to a specialized network of cardiac muscle fibers found within the heart's ventricles. Named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who first described them in the 19th century, the Purkinje fibers are responsible for efficiently transmitting electrical impulses throughout the ventricles, coordinating their contraction and ensuring the heart effectively pumps blood.
The Purkinje network is situated within the endocardium, the innermost layer of the heart, forming a dense web-like structure. It starts at the bundle of His, a fiber bundle that receives electrical signals from the atrioventricular node, and then divides into numerous branches that extend into the ventricular walls. These branches consist of specialized cardiomyocytes that possess unique properties allowing for rapid conduction of electrical signals.
The primary function of the Purkinje network is to rapidly distribute electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node to the ventricular muscle fibers, ensuring synchronous contraction of the ventricles. This helps maintain an efficient blood flow through the heart.
Cardiac arrhythmias or disruptions in the normal rhythm of the heart can occur if there are abnormalities in the Purkinje network. For instance, damage or dysfunction of the Purkinje fibers can lead to heart block, where the electrical impulses are delayed or blocked, resulting in a slower heart rate or even inadequate pumping of blood.
In summary, the Purkinje network is a specialized network of cardiac muscle fibers that transmit electrical impulses throughout the ventricles for coordinated contraction and efficient pumping of blood.
Common Misspellings for PURKINJE NETWORK
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Etymology of PURKINJE NETWORK
The term "Purkinje network" is named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně. He is widely recognized for his contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly his studies on the anatomy of the heart. Purkinje made significant observations about the specialized network of cells that conduct electrical impulses in the heart, which led to the naming of this network in his honor.
Jan Evangelista Purkyně was born in 1787 in the Kingdom of Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic) and is considered one of the pioneers in the field of neuroscience. His investigations on various topics, including the brain, senses, and cardiovascular system, played a substantial role in advancing our understanding of these areas. The term "Purkinje network" specifically refers to the network of specialized Purkinje cells in the heart responsible for conducting electrical impulses, aiding in the coordinated contraction of the heart muscle.
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