What is the firing rate of the AV node?

The firing rate of the AV node typically ranges between 40 to 60 beats per minute (bpm). The AV (atrioventricular) node acts as a critical relay point in the heart’s electrical conduction system, receiving impulses from the SA (sinoatrial) node and transmitting them to the ventricles. When the SA node fails or when there is a block in the conduction pathway, the AV node can take over as a pacemaker, firing at this intrinsic rate. Understanding the normal functioning of the AV node is important for recognizing arrhythmias and managing cardiac conditions effectively. The other options reflect firing rates associated with different parts of the conduction system: the SA node typically governs the heart at 60-100 bpm, while the ventricles can fire at rates of 20-40 bpm in cases of complete heart block or significant disturbances in conduction.