What type of impulses do heart cells generate automatically?

Heart cells automatically generate electrical impulses, specifically through specialized cells known as pacemaker cells found primarily in the sinoatrial (SA) node. These electrical impulses are crucial because they initiate the heart's contraction process and help maintain a regular rhythm. The depolarization that occurs in these pacemaker cells triggers a sequence of electrical events that propagate through the cardiac tissue, leading to myocardial contraction.

The generation of electrical impulses is a fundamental characteristic of cardiac cells, enabling them to function independently of external nervous system input. This property ensures that the heart can continue to beat rhythmically even if it is disconnected from the nervous system. Understanding this electrical activity is essential for interpreting EKG readings and anticipating the heart's behavior during various physiological conditions.