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Glite Dictionary
Purkinje network

Purkinje network

7.1
A network of special heart fibers that carry electrical signals to make the heart's lower chambers contract
  • noun
  • /ˈpɜr.kɪn.jeɪ ˈnɛt.wɜrk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : red de Purkinje
  • The electrical impulse travels through the Purkinje network before causing the ventricles to contract.

Examples

  • Damage to the Purkinje network can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances.

  • A blockage in the Purkinje network may result in incomplete ventricular contraction.

  • The Purkinje network is essential for heart function.

  • Without the Purkinje network, the heart cannot contract properly.

  • The electrical impulse travels through the Purkinje network before causing the ventricles to contract.

  • A blockage in the Purkinje network may result in incomplete ventricular contraction.

  • Damage to the Purkinje network can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances.

Synonyms

Purkinje's system
vsPurkinje network
  • Specialized
7.9

A network of fibers in the heart that send signals to the lower chambers to make them contract

is an alternative name with the same function and use
Purkinje's tissue
vsPurkinje network
  • Specialized
9.0

A network of special heart fibers that carry electrical signals to make the lower heart chambers beat

is identical in role but emphasizes material or structure

Surface Forms

Purkinje network singular
Purkinje networks plural

Morphology

Purkinje + network

The phrase literally means a network composed of Purkinje structures (combining the proper name 'Purkinje' with 'network'), so the compositional structure is clear. However, 'Purkinje' is an eponymous, technical anatomical term whose specific identity and electrophysiological function are not derivable by a typical B1 learner from the constituent words, making the expression only partially transparent.

Etymology

Purkinje network is named after the scientist Purkinje who first described special heart fibres. Imagine a network of thin threads that 'send electrical signals' to the heart's lower chambers so they squeeze, and that's why the term means the fibres that make those chambers contract.