title: The Cardiac Conduction System: Generation and Conduction of the Cardiac Impulse.
abstract: In this article, the authors outline the key components behind the automated generation of the cardiac impulses and the effect these impulses have on cardiac myocytes. Also, a description of the key components of the normal cardiac conduction system is provided, including the sinoatrial node, the atrioventricular node, the His bundle, the bundle branches, and the Purkinje network. Finally, an outline of how each stage of the cardiac conduction system is represented on the electrocardiogram is described, allowing the reader of the electrocardiogram to translate background information about the normal cardiac conduction system to everyday clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: The Engineering Research Institute (ERI), School of Engineering, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland. Electronic address: Kennedy-A23@email.ulster.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.affiliation: The Engineering Research Institute (ERI), School of Engineering, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Dewar D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Finlay
authors.affiliation: The Engineering Research Institute (ERI), School of Engineering, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guldenring
authors.affiliation: Computing Science Research Instititute, School of Computing and Mathematics, University of Ulster, Room 16G06, Jordanstown Campus, Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Room XG05, Glanevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
authors.forename: Kieran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.affiliation: The Engineering Research Institute (ERI), School of Engineering, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Newtownabbey, County Antrim BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
mesh_terms: D001283:Atrioventricular Node / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D002036:Bundle of His / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D064648:Critical Care Nursing; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012849:Sinoatrial Node / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Action potential; Automaticity; Cardiac conduction system; Cardiac impulse; Electrocardiogram