What are Ganglionated Plexuses (GPs) primarily responsible for?

Ganglionated plexuses (GPs) are clusters of nerve cells found in various parts of the body, including the heart. They play a crucial role in autonomic innervation, particularly within the cardiac context. The primary responsibility of GPs, especially those located near the entrances of the pulmonary veins, is to innervate the myocardial sleeves. These myocardial sleeves serve as the conduit for electrical impulses, influencing the electrical and mechanical activity of the heart.

The parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves that converge at these GPs help modulate heart rate and rhythm, making them essential for the heart's electrical stability, particularly in relation to conditions such as atrial fibrillation. By affecting the function and connectivity of atrial tissues, GPs are instrumental in coordinating the heart's response to various physiological demands, making their role significant in understanding arrhythmias and their management.