Sinoatrial node atrial cells, with the average cell being around 8 micrometers in diameter and 20-30 micrometers in length (1 micrometer= 0.000001 meter). Unlike the atrial cells, SA node cells contain fewer mitochondria (the power plant of the cell), fewer myofibers (the contractile machinery of the cell), and a smaller sarcoplasmic reticulum (a calcium storage organelle that releases calcium for contraction). This means that the SA node cells are less equipped to contract compared to the atrial and ventricular cells. Action potentials pass from one cardiac cell to the next through pores known as gap junctions. These gap junctions are made of
Sinoatrial node proteins called connexins. There are fewer gap junctions within the SA node and they are smaller in size. This is again important in insulating the SA node from the surrounding atrial cells. The sinoatrial node receives its blood supply from the sinoatrial nodal artery. This blood supply, however, can differ hugely between individuals. For example, in most humans this is a single artery, although in some cases there have been either 2 or 3 sinoatrial node arteries supplying the SA node. Also, the SA node artery mainly originates as a branch of the right coronary artery; however in some individuals