Neurons of a rat heart mapped in 3D

Written by Julia Titova (Future Science Group)

This image shows a whole-heart view of the 3D reconstructed male rat heart, showing the extent and distribution of the intrinsic cardiac neurons.
Credit: Achanta et al. - iScience

A team of researchers from around the world, led by scientists from Thomas Jefferson University (PA, USA), has worked together to develop a virtual 3D model of heart neurons. The study, published in the journal iScience, explains how the team created a comprehensive map of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system of a rat, paving the way for both neurologists and cardiologists to further investigate the neuroanatomy of the heart. Senior author of the study, James Schwaber (Thomas Jefferson University) said that: "Many cardiologists aren't even aware there are neurons in the heart, let alone that they are critical to heart...

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free