pacemakers
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a) Describe what a natural pacemaker is and where it is found.
A natural pacemaker is called the sinotrial (SA) node or sinus node. The SA node is the heart's master pacemaker found in the top of the heart's right atrium. This is what makes rhythmic, steady electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat. These impulses are sent to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which transmits them to the ventricles. The ventricles are the pumping chambers of the heart and as the electrical impulses are sent from the SA to the AV nodes muscles are triggered which contract and pump blood out of the ventricles and into the lungs and body.
b) Explain what an artificial pacemaker is.
An artificial pacemaker is a medical electronic device which regulates (paces) the beating of the heart. Pacemakers are usually implanted to control a patient who has a heart rate which is too fast or too slow. The purpose of the pacemaker is to maintain heartbeats so that adequate oxygen and nutrients are delivered through the blood to the organs of the body...