Reading Comprehension Related

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Electrocardiogram
The rhythmic sounds of "beep... beep... beep..." signify the measurement of the heart muscle's strength. This rhythmic signal varies from person to person and is recorded as an electrocardiogram (ECG). Within the body, a complex array of systemic neural responses generates electric currents that can be detected on the skin's surface. When a person is connected to an amplifier, these impulses are captured by an electrocardiograph. Most of the information gathered pertains to the heart, as it emits electric currents in waves. This "wave of excitation" propagates through the heart wall and is associated with electrical changes. The process occurs in three distinct phases. First, the "wave of excitation," accompanied by an electrical change, lasts for about 1 to 2 seconds following the contraction of the cardiac muscle. These electrical impulses are rhythmically discharged from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which acts as the heart's natural pacemaker, signaling the atrium to contract. The peak of the ECG reading is attributed to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which triggers the excitation of the ventricles. Finally, as the ventricles relax, any changes in the wave pattern can alert trained medical personnel to potential abnormalities within the heart.

What is the best summary of the passage?

  • A. Electric currents within the body are due to electrostatic charges set off by the heart. Medical staff are trained to recognize any abnormalities within the heart.
  • B. Every individual has unique electric currents on the surface of the body. The ECG measures and records these electric currents.
  • C. The ECG systematically and rather quickly measures the stages at which the "wave of excitation" occurs within the heart and records them. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node.
  • D. The ECG measures the electric currents within the body. These currents are detected on the surface of the body when the body is connected to an amplifier.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it accurately summarizes the passage by highlighting that the ECG systematically measures the stages of the 'wave of excitation' within the heart. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node. The other options either focus on general information about electric currents or do not capture the specific details provided in the passage about the ECG and the heart's electrical activity.