What is the significance of the sinoatrial node in the right atrium?
The sinoatrial (SA) node, located in the superior part of the right atrium, is the primary pacemaker of the heart. It generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat. Histologically, the SA node contains specialized pacemaker cells that have fewer contractile fibers and more gap junctions compared to typical cardiomyocytes, allowing for rapid and coordinated electrical conduction.
