What is the name of the pacemaker of the heart?

The pacemaker of the heart is the Sinoatrial (SA) Node. This specialized cluster of cells is located in the right atrium and is responsible for initiating electrical impulses that determine the heart's rhythm. The SA node generates action potentials that spread through the atria, causing them to contract and push blood into the ventricles.

The SA node has the highest intrinsic rate of firing compared to other components of the cardiac conduction system, which is why it is considered the primary pacemaker. If the SA node fails to function properly, other structures, such as the Atrioventricular (AV) Node or Purkinje Fibers, can take over as secondary pacemakers, but they do so at a slower rate. This makes the SA node critical for maintaining a healthy and coordinated heartbeat.

In summary, the SA node's role as the main pacemaker establishes it as the key element in controlling the heart's rhythmic contractions, central to the overall function of the cardiovascular system.