Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What is the significance of the PR segment in the cardiac cycle?

  1. Prevents backflow of blood into the atria

  2. Indicates electrical delay at the AV node

  3. Represents the recovery of the heart's muscle

  4. Measures the duration from atrial systole to ventricular systole

The correct answer is: Indicates electrical delay at the AV node

The PR segment is significant because it indicates the electrical delay that occurs at the atrioventricular (AV) node. After the electrical impulse is generated in the sinoatrial (SA) node, it travels through the atria and reaches the AV node, where there is a brief pause. This delay is crucial as it allows for complete contraction of the atria, ensuring that all the blood is pushed into the ventricles before they contract. The function of the AV node in delaying the impulse prevents the ventricles from pumping too quickly, allowing them to fill properly with blood before they contract. Understanding the role of the PR segment in the cardiac cycle helps in recognizing how electrical conduction impacts heart function and coordination.