Which part of the heart's electrical conduction system protects the ventricles from atrial tachyarrhythmias?

The atrioventricular (AV) node plays a crucial role in the heart's electrical conduction system, specifically in its function of protecting the ventricles from the effects of atrial tachyarrhythmias. The AV node acts as a gatekeeper between the atria and the ventricles. When there is an abnormal rapid heartbeat originating in the atria, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, the AV node can limit the number of electrical impulses that are conducted to the ventricles.

This is important because if the ventricles were to respond to every single atrial impulse during a tachyarrhythmic event, they could become overwhelmed and potentially go into a dangerous rhythm, leading to inefficient pumping of blood throughout the body. The AV node’s inherent delay and ability to selectively block some impulses serves to protect the ventricles from excessive and potentially harmful stimulation, allowing them to maintain a more controlled and effective rhythm.

The other parts of the heart's electrical conduction system, while important in their own right, do not provide this protective function in the same way. The sinoatrial (SA) node is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that control heart rate, but it does not protect the ventricles. The Purkinje