Each time the heart beats, the contracting muscle generates potentials. The 1 mV

Question

Each time the heart beats, the contracting muscle generates potentials. The 1 mV resulting signal can be picked up on the skin on the chest or limbs, using electrodes. The signal is known as the electrocardiogram (ECG). Fig. 1 shows the ECG of an individual with the characteristic P, Q, R, S and T feature points. Discuss relevant anatomical and physiological issues related to Figure 1 (include in your answer structures related to the generation of the ECG as well as discuss 3 examples of cardiac pathology in an such as atrial fibrillation

Explanation / Answer

The ECG(electrocardiogram) shows the electric activity of the Heart and tell us about any Pathology in this electric activity of the Heart by showing different shapes of the waves as compared to the Normal healthy heart.The P-wave depicts the Depolarization(contraction) of Atria following SA(Sinoatrial node) trigger.The PQ(PR) interval is the delay time due to AV(Atrioventricular node) allowing enough time for filling of ventricles.QRS wave shows the Depolarization of ventricles and is the main Pumping action of Heart.T-wave shows the ventricular Repolarization (relaxation) after which the cardiac cycle begins again.Heart Pathology such as Atrial fibrillation in ECG shows characteristic F-waves and absence of P-waves.Also for example in Left ventricular hypertrophy and Heart Blocks there is abnormally tall QRS complexes and Dissociation between P-wave and QRS complexes respectively.

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