Which of the following is also referred to as the pacemaker of the heart?
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Atrioventricular node
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Sinoatrial node
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Purkinje fibers
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none of the above
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium near the superior vena cava, is the heart's natural pacemaker. It spontaneously generates electrical impulses (~60-100 bpm) that initiate each heartbeat. The AV node delays impulses, and Purkinje fibers conduct signals to ventricles.