Atrioventricular

/ˌeɪtriəvenˈtrɪkjʊlər/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or connecting both the atria and ventricles of the heart; describing the structures and electrical pathways between these chambers.

Etymology

From atrio- (Latin atrium) + ventricular (Latin ventriculus 'little belly/chamber'). A fundamental term in cardiology established in the 19th century as heart anatomy became understood.

Kelly Says

Your heart's atrioventricular node is like an electrical relay station—it slows signals from the atria so the ventricles have time to fill with blood before pumping, and if this fails, your heart rhythm goes haywire.

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