What electrical wave is generated by the initiation of impulses in the SA node and its movement through the atria?

The electrical wave generated by the initiation of impulses in the sinoatrial (SA) node and its subsequent movement through the atria is known as the P Wave. The SA node serves as the natural pacemaker of the heart, and when it generates an electrical impulse, this impulse spreads through the atrial myocardium, leading to atrial depolarization. The resulting P Wave on an electrocardiogram (EKG) represents this electrical activity associated with atrial contraction.

The P Wave is typically a small, upward deflection on the EKG waveform, indicating that the atria are contracting and pushing blood into the ventricles. Understanding the significance of the P Wave is essential for interpreting an EKG, as it provides insights into the atrial electrical activity and overall heart rhythm. This highlights the critical role of the SA node in managing the heart's pacing through its electrical impulses.