Scanning electron microscopy of the canine atrioventricular bundle and moderator band

The atrioventricular (AV) bundle and the moderator band in the canine heart were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The AV bundle and the moderator band both were comprised of large, cylindrically shaped cells. These cells were highly organized into bundles, with minimal lateral communication between bundles. There was extensive cell-to-cell communication between cells within a bundle. The end branching of individual cells was prominent, with some interbundle communication. These results are discussed in relationship to the electrophysiologic properties of the AV bundle and the conduction velocity.