His-Purkinje system
Pronunciation: HISS pur-KIN-jee
The specialized cardiac conduction pathway consisting of the His bundle and Purkinje fibers that conduct impulses through the ventricles.
Full Definition
The His-Purkinje system is the specialized cardiac conduction network responsible for rapidly and efficiently distributing electrical impulses throughout the ventricles. It consists of the bundle of His (originating at the AV node), which divides into right and left bundle branches, and the extensive network of Purkinje fibers that penetrate the ventricular myocardium. This system ensures synchronized ventricular contraction by conducting impulses at high velocity (1-4 m/sec). Disease affecting the His-Purkinje system can result in bundle branch blocks, fascicular blocks, or complete heart block, and may require pacemaker therapy. The system is also a potential source of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of structural heart disease.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'His' and 'Purkinje' as they are derived from proper names; use hyphen in compound term.
In Context
- "Disease progression involved the His-Purkinje system, resulting in complete AV block." — Pathophysiology discussion
- "The ventricular arrhythmia originated from the His-Purkinje system based on morphology analysis." — EP study report