OBSERVATIONS ON THE SINUATRIAL NODAL ARTERY OF THE RAT

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 130  (JUN) , 821-831
Abstract
The structure of the sinoatrial nodal artery was investigated in young and old rats. The nodal artery is derived from the internal thoracic artery, runs centrally through the node and supplies it by several branches. An extensive cuff of nodal cells is seen within the adventitia of the artery and its branches adjacent to the smooth muscle cells of the media. The cuff cells vary in shape and myofibrillar content and contain acetylcholinesterase. The cuff is extensively innervated by adrenergic and cholinergic axons. The significance of these findings with regard to earlier morphological and physiological reports is discussed.