Sinoatrial node rate, and increasing heart rate. An increase in heart rate is known as positive chronotropy. The parasympathetic nerves supplying the SA node (in particular the Vagus nerves) originate in the brain. These nerves release a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). ACh binds to a receptor called an M2 muscarinic receptor, located on the SA node membrane. Activation of this M2 receptor, then activates a protein called a G-protein (in particular G protein, i for inhibitory). Activation of this G-protein, blocks the cAMP pathway, reducing its effects, therefore inhibiting sympathetic activity and slowing action potential production. As well as this, the G-protein
Bachmann's bundle found that clamping the muscular bundle of fibers that connects the atria caused a significant conduction delay. The Bachman's bundle receives its blood supply from the sinoatrial nodal artery (right, left or both). Besides Bachmann's bundle, the other three conduction tracts that constitute the "atrial conduction system" are known as the anterior, middle, and posterior tracts, which run from the sinoatrial node to the atrioventricular node, converging in the region near the coronary sinus. "Atrial automaticity foci" are within the atrial conduction system. The concentration of converging conduction tracts near the coronary sinus results in considerable automaticity activity originating in