Anatomical study of the cardiac conduction system in swine hearts

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Cardiovascular Science
• Medical Education

Background:

• The cardiac conduction system (CCS) is vital for heart rhythm regulation.
• Effective cardiovascular medicine requires a deep understanding of CCS anatomy and function.
• Current anatomical education for the CCS rarely involves direct dissection, limiting 3D comprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the macroscopic anatomical structure of the cardiac conduction system (CCS) in young pig hearts.
• To evaluate the suitability of swine hearts as a dissection model for teaching CCS anatomy.
• To compare the identified CCS structures with those reported in human and other animal models.

Main Methods:

• Macroscopic dissection of young pig (Sus scrofa domestica) hearts.
• Systematic examination and illustration of CCS components.
• Comparative anatomical analysis with existing literature.

Main Results:

• Key CCS structures, including the atrioventricular bundle (His bundle), atrioventricular node, and right/left bundle branches, were successfully identified macroscopically.
• The atrioventricular bundle was distinctly located and differentiated by color and fiber orientation.
• The sinoatrial node was not identified in this study.
• The anatomy of the CCS in young pigs closely resembled that of humans and other domestic animals.

Conclusions:

• Young pig hearts provide a viable macroscopic model for dissecting and understanding the cardiac conduction system.
• The findings support the use of swine hearts in anatomical and medical education for cardiovascular professionals.
• This study contributes to enhancing 3D understanding of the CCS through practical dissection methods.