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The atrioventricular (AV) node plays a crucial role in the electrical conduction system of the heart. Its primary function is to act as a conductor that slows down the electrical impulses coming from the sinoatrial (SA) node before they spread to the ventricles. This delay allows for the atria to fully contract and pump blood into the ventricles before the ventricles themselves contract.

This timing is vital for maintaining an effective and efficient heart rhythm, ensuring that the blood is properly filled in the ventricles before they are forced to pump it out to the lungs and the rest of the body. The ability of the AV node to slow conduction is significant in preventing rapid heart rhythms that can occur if impulses reach the ventricles too quickly.

In contrast, while the SA node initiates heart contractions and is responsible for the heart rate, the AV node specifically functions to manage and coordinate the timing of these contractions. It does not directly increase the heart rate or regulate blood pressure, but rather it ensures that the heart's electrical signals are transmitted at the right pace for optimal performance.