Key Points
- To examine the gross and microscopic anatomy of the human auriculoventricular conduction system and evaluate the neurogenic versus myogenic mechanisms of cardiac conduction.
- Conducted gross and microscopic examinations of 60 human hearts (N=60).
- Applied a photographic technique to generate undistorted serial sections through tissue blocks containing the auriculoventricular node, bundle, and branches, viewed sequentially as motion picture film.
- Demonstrated continuous visual tracking of the structural path and shifting spatial relationships of the auriculoventricular node and bundle branches across sequential tissue levels.
- Provided qualitative anatomical evidence supporting structural models of myogenic versus neurogenic cardiac impulse transmission.
Structured PICO
PPopulation60 human hearts
IInterventionGross and microscopic studies using a unique photographic technique for serial sections
The study provides a novel method for visualizing the human auriculoventricular conduction system and reviews concepts of cardiac conduction.