Development of 3-D anatomically-detailed mathematical models of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes

We used multiple techniques to construct 3D anatomical models of the rabbit sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN). The 3D SAN model includes atrial muscle (only atrial cells), central SAN (only central SAN cells), peripheral SAN (a mixture of peripheral SAN cells, ´central´ SAN cells and atrial cells), connective tissue and the sinus node artery. The 3D AVN model includes atrial muscle, ventricular muscle, AVN, a possible transitional zone (loosely packed atrial cells) and connective tissue (including the tendon of Todaro).