MBBS · Physiology

Cardiac conduction and ECG

Surface electrocardiography records voltage changes arising from coordinated myocardial depolarization and repolarization.

Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗

ECG components: representative beat

Original conceptual SVG · scalable
PRQSTatrial depolarizationventricular depolarizationventricular repolarization

Illustrative P–QRS–T waveform. Not calibrated, not a real lead tracing, not for ECG diagnosis.

Concept 01

Trace the conduction system

The sinoatrial node normally initiates impulses. Atrial depolarization precedes conduction through the AV node and the His–Purkinje system to the ventricles.

Concept 02

Read basic wave meaning

P wave: atrial depolarization. QRS complex: ventricular depolarization. T wave: ventricular repolarization.

Concept 03

Know common measurements conceptually

PR interval includes atrial conduction and AV delay. QT interval spans ventricular depolarization through repolarization and varies with heart rate.

Education / safety note: This diagram depicts a representative schematic beat, not a diagnostic tracing; interpretation requires leads, calibration, patient context and clinician review.

Reference and next reading

Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.

Official / publisher source: NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗Official / publisher source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e (read on publisher site) ↗Official / publisher source: PubMed ↗