Why is the human heart called myogenic, and what proves it?
A myogenic heartbeat originates in the heart muscle itself, not in nerves.
A myogenic heartbeat originates in the heart muscle itself, not in nerves. The sino-atrial node, a specialised patch of cardiac muscle, spontaneously generates the impulse that spreads across the heart. The proof: a heart removed from the body, or transplanted with its nerves cut, keeps beating on its own. Nerves only speed up or slow the rate; they do not start each beat.
Key point
The SAN in the heart muscle starts every beat, so an isolated heart keeps beating -- myogenic.
Common mistake
thinking nerves or the brain trigger each heartbeat (that would be neurogenic).
Memory tip
SAN pacemaker -> isolated heart still beats = myogenic.
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