Syllabus · Current · V5 (2025) · Cardiovascular System
D1 · Cardiovascular Anatomy
D1.iii · Cardiac Conduction System
Describe the structure of the excitatory elements of the heart including: a. Sino-atrial node, b. Atrio-ventricular node, c. Bundle of His, d. Purkinje Fibres. e. anatomical course of conduction.
Written examination
SAQ history
Cardiac Electrophysiology — Cardiac Conduction
2 exam appearances
(a) Describe the action potential of the cardiac pacemaker cells including the ionic events (60%). (b) Explain how excitation then propagates through the conducting pathway of the heart, including mechanisms to prevent abnormal conduction (40%).
69%
Outline normal impulse generation and conduction in the heart. Describe the features present in a normal heart that prevent generation and conduction of arrhythmias.
33%
RV vs LV Anatomy
2 exam appearances
Outline the anatomy of the cardiac ventricles including the chambers, valves and conduction elements.
11%
Compare the structure, function and coronary circulation of the right and left ventricles.
27%
Oral examination
VIVA history
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2017A · Day 1 · VIVA 5
This viva will examine cardiac physiology and measurement. Using the diagram provided, draw and label the cardiac conduction pathway. (Image removed.)
Sources: objective text from the relevant CICM syllabus; historical SAQ and VIVA wording from CICM examiner reports.