His-Purkinje system
Pronunciation: /hɪs pər'kɪn.dʒeɪ/
The specialized conduction pathway consisting of the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers that conducts electrical impulses to the ventricles.
Full Definition
The His-Purkinje system is the specialized cardiac conduction network that rapidly transmits electrical impulses from the atrioventricular node to the ventricular myocardium. It consists of the bundle of His, which divides into right and left bundle branches, and the terminal Purkinje fiber network. This system ensures synchronized ventricular contraction by rapidly conducting impulses throughout both ventricles. Dysfunction of the His-Purkinje system can result in bundle branch blocks, fascicular blocks, or complete heart block requiring pacemaker implantation.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'His' as it's an eponym; hyphenate His-Purkinje in compound usage.
In Context
- "Damage to the His-Purkinje system during ablation can result in complete heart block." — Complication report
- "The patient developed a new left bundle branch block indicating His-Purkinje system injury." — Post-procedure assessment