Current concepts of anatomy and electrophysiology of the sinus node

J Interv Card Electrophysiol. 2016 Jun;46(1):9-18. doi: 10.1007/s10840-016-0137-2. Epub 2016 May 3.

Abstract

The sinoatrial node, or sinus node, of humans is the principal pacemaker of the heart. Over the last century, studies have unraveled the complex molecular architecture of the sinus node and the expression of unique ion channels within its specialized myocytes. Aim of this review is to describe the embriology, the anatomy, the histology and the electrophisiology of the sinus node.

Keywords: Sinus node; Sinus node anatomy; Sinus node physiology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / physiology*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels / metabolism
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*
  • Sinoatrial Node / anatomy & histology*
  • Sinoatrial Node / embryology
  • Sinoatrial Node / physiology*

Substances

  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels