412* 3
Inquiry Problem #3
The heart, as a whole, and myocytes have rather unique electrophysiological properties. Why does the SA Node initiate an action potential as opposed to other areas in the heart? How does the action potential spread through the heart/myocytes (think also 3-dimensionally and as a function of time) to cause muscular contraction? In a very general sense, describe the mechanism that is used to assess these electrical events and does a typical ‘pattern’ exist that corresponds with such electrical events?
Topic Relevance: This topic provides for the foundation of electrocardiographic theory. Avoid going into detail about the procedures of the electrocardiogram (EKG) but rather focus on the electrophysiological events as recorded over time.