Certified Cardiovascular Technician Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Cardiovascular Technician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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What is the intrinsic firing rate of the Bundle of His?

20 to 40 beats per minute
40 to 60 beats per minute
60 to 80 beats per minute
80 to 100 beats per minute

The correct answer is: 40 to 60 beats per minute

The intrinsic firing rate of the Bundle of His is indeed 40 to 60 beats per minute. This structure plays a vital role in the conduction system of the heart, acting as a pathway for electrical impulses to travel from the atria to the ventricles. The Bundle of His is responsible for transmitting impulses from the atrioventricular node (AV node) into the ventricular tissue through the right and left bundle branches. In contrast to other components of the cardiac conduction system, such as the sinoatrial (SA) node—which has a higher intrinsic firing rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute—the Bundle of His operates at a lower rate. This reflects its role as a backup pacemaker in case the SA and AV nodes fail to initiate impulses efficiently, ensuring that the heart continues to beat even under compromised conditions. The designated range of 40 to 60 beats per minute allows for a steady, albeit slower, heart rhythm than that initiated by the primary pacemaker in the heart (the SA node).