This 3d model was created as a part of a commission for Dr. Luis Fernando Santana (https://basicscience.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/santana_lab/) of the Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology at UC Davis School of Medicine. Dr. Santana included these illustrations in a series of high-profile lectures focusing on the mechanisms controlling pacemaking by the heart’s sinoatrial node. His research focuses on the mechanisms by which regional variations in vascular supply limit electrical signaling modalities in the sino-atrial node. He wanted a detailed, yet artistic representation of the complex anatomy of the node and the relationship between vessels and pacemaking myocytes that would help him engage the audience and pique viewer’s interest in this fascinating and exciting research.

Take a look at the article here.

Sinoatrial Node model sculpted in Zbrush based on photographs taken by the researchers.

In making the model I tried to retain anatomically accurate qualities of the SA Node, while simplifying and exaggerating it’s features to help the model serve as a teaching tool and in memory retention.