What structure is responsible for conducting electrical signals in the heart?

The atrioventricular node (AV node) plays a crucial role in the conduction system of the heart by acting as a critical relay point for electrical signals between the atria and ventricles. When the sinoatrial node (SA node), located in the right atrium, generates an electrical impulse, this impulse causes the atria to contract, pushing blood into the ventricles. The AV node then receives this impulse and briefly delays it, allowing time for the ventricles to fill with blood before they contract. After this delay, the AV node conducts the electrical signals down to the Bundle of His and subsequently into the Purkinje fibers, leading to the coordinated contraction of the ventricles.

While the SA node initiates the heartbeat and the Bundle of His and Purkinje fibers facilitate further conduction throughout the ventricles, the AV node is specifically responsible for connecting the electrical activity of the atria and ventricles, thus playing a key role in maintaining proper heart rhythm and function.