auriculoventricular

Auriculoventricular is an anatomical term describing relations between the atria (auricles) and the ventricles of the heart. In many contexts the term is used as a variant or older spelling of atrioventricular, particularly in non-English languages or historical texts. It can describe regions, connections, or structures that bridge the atrial and ventricular chambers.

In adult anatomy and cardiology, the auriculoventricular conduction system includes the atrioventricular (AV) node and the AV bundle (Bundle of His), which coordinate the passage of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles. This pathway enables synchronized ventricular contraction following atrial activation. The term is sometimes encountered when referring to the annular region surrounding the atrioventricular orifice, which delineates valve attachments between the atria and ventricles and is involved in the function of the mitral and tricuspid valves.

Embryology and development also use the related term auriculoventricular canal, a primordial connection between the primitive atrium and primitive ventricle before septation. Endocardial cushions contribute to the formation of the atrioventricular valves and the septa that separate the chambers. Defects in this region give rise to atrioventricular canal defects, a type of congenital heart disease often associated with Down syndrome.

Clinical relevance includes disorders of AV conduction, such as AV block, and the surgical or interventional management of AV canal or valve-related abnormalities. The term auriculoventricular is largely superseded by atrioventricular in contemporary usage, but may appear in historical or multilingual texts.