True or False: A damaged or dysfunctional conduction system may lead to altered conduction pathways?

The statement that a damaged or dysfunctional conduction system may lead to altered conduction pathways is indeed true. The conduction system of the heart is responsible for controlling the rhythm and timing of the cardiac cycle, which includes the initiation and propagation of electrical impulses that cause the heart muscles to contract.

When there is damage or dysfunction in any part of the conduction system, such as the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, or Bundle of His, the normal pathway of electrical signals can be disrupted. This disruption can result in altered conduction pathways, which may manifest as arrhythmias, including bradycardia, tachycardia, or various other supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias. These conditions occur because the heart might not receive the electrical signals in a timely or coordinated manner, thereby affecting its overall functioning.

In contrast, if the conduction system is functioning normally, the electrical impulses pass through the heart in a synchronized manner, maintaining a regular heart rhythm. Therefore, recognizing the relationship between conduction system dysfunction and altered conduction pathways is crucial for understanding cardiac physiology and pathology.