The heart is called myogenic because its heartbeat is initiated by a special modified heart muscle called the sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the right atrium. This SA node has the unique ability to generate electrical impulses and contract on its own without any external stimulation from the nervous system or brain. Therefore, the impulse for contraction originates within the heart muscle itself, making the heart self-regulated and capable of beating independently. This intrinsic capability is why the heart is termed myogenic—"myo" meaning muscle and "genic" meaning originating or producing.

In contrast to neurogenic hearts, which need nerve impulses to initiate a heartbeat, the myogenic heart can continue to beat even if the nerve supply is cut. This property ensures that the heart reliably maintains its rhythm to pump blood throughout the body, vital for survival.

Thus, the term "myogenic" reflects the heart's ability to produce its own rhythm and contractions from specialized muscle cells, independent of external nervous controls.