The SA (sinoatrial) node generates an electrical signal that causes the upper heart chambers (atria) to contract. The signal then passes through the AV (atrioventricular) node to the lower heart chambers (ventricles), causing them to contract, or pump. The SA node is considered the pacemaker of the heart.

What is the role of the sinoatrial node?

An electrical stimulus is generated by the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial node, or SA node). This is a small mass of specialized tissue located in the right upper chamber (atria) of the heart. The sinus node generates an electrical stimulus regularly, 60 to 100 times per minute under normal conditions.

Why is the SA node the pacemaker?

The SA node is often referred to as a natural pacemaker because it generates a series of electrical pulses at regular intervals. The pulse is then sent to a group of cells known as the atrioventricular node (AV node). The AV node relays the pulse to the 2 lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles).