Why does the signal get delayed at the AV Node?

Question

1)so the ventricles can contract before the atria contract

2)so the atria can finish contracting before the ventricles contract

Answer 1

The signal gets delayed at the AV (atrioventricular) node to allow the atria to finish contracting before the ventricles start contracting. This helps to optimize the efficiency of the heart's pumping action and ensure proper blood flow through the chambers.