These cells are distinct from the contractile cardiac myocytes but are still muscle tissue adapted for generating and rapidly conducting electrical impulses.²

⚡ Components of the Conduction Pathway

The specialized conducting cells form the following major structures:

• Sinoatrial (SA) Node: The heart’s natural pacemaker, located in the right atrium.
• Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Located near the center of the heart, it briefly delays the impulse.⁶
• Bundle of His (Atrioventricular Bundle)
• Bundle Branches (Right and Left)
• Purkinje Fibers⁹

While the entire pathway is made of specialized myocardial cells, its activity (such as heart rate) is heavily regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which does use neurons (nerves) that innervate the conduction system, particularly the SA and AV nodes. These neurons modulate the rate and force of contraction but are not the primary conductors of the impulse that triggers the heartbeat.