The intrinsic firing rate of the AV node is ________ to ________ times per minute.

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Multiple Choice

The intrinsic firing rate of the AV node is ________ to ________ times per minute.

Explanation:
The AV node has slower automaticity than the SA node, so if the SA node fails, the AV node can take over but at a slower pace. Its intrinsic firing rate is about 40–60 beats per minute, which is why that range is the correct answer. In normal rhythm the SA node drives at roughly 60–100 bpm, and the Purkinje system can pace at about 20–40 bpm if both nodes fail. The other ranges align with those other pacemaker regions, not the AV node.

The AV node has slower automaticity than the SA node, so if the SA node fails, the AV node can take over but at a slower pace. Its intrinsic firing rate is about 40–60 beats per minute, which is why that range is the correct answer. In normal rhythm the SA node drives at roughly 60–100 bpm, and the Purkinje system can pace at about 20–40 bpm if both nodes fail. The other ranges align with those other pacemaker regions, not the AV node.

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