What does myogenic heart mean?

A myogenic heart is a type of heart in which the heartbeat is initiated by specialized muscle cells called pacemaker cells, rather than external nerve impulses. This characteristic allows the heart to beat independently of the nervous system. Found in vertebrates, including humans, the sinoatrial (SA) node serves as the natural pacemaker, generating electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract rhythmically. This intrinsic ability ensures continuous blood circulation, even when nervous control is disrupted. Myogenic hearts contrast with neurogenic hearts, where nerves directly trigger contractions. The myogenic mechanism is vital for maintaining stable and autonomous cardiac function in complex organisms.