What is the firing rate of the atrioventricular junction?

The firing rate of the atrioventricular (AV) junction is typically between 40 to 60 beats per minute (bpm). This area of the heart acts as a secondary pacemaker when the primary pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, fails or is unable to generate impulses effectively. The AV junction has the intrinsic ability to initiate electrical impulses, which is essential for maintaining a proper rhythm and coordinating heartbeats.

Understanding the firing rate of the AV junction is crucial in the context of arrhythmias and cardiac function, as it plays a key role in the overall conduction system of the heart. While other regions of the heart, such as the SA node and the ventricles, have their specific firing rates, the AV junction's range of 40-60 bpm serves as an important backup to ensure that the heart continues to function adequately despite disruptions in higher pacemaker activity.