The most common tissues in the heart are cardiomyocytes (cardiac muscle cells) and connective tissue.
The heart's structure is primarily built from these two components:
- Cardiomyocytes: These specialized muscle cells are responsible for the heart's contractile ability, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body. They make up a significant portion of the heart's mass.
- Connective Tissue: This tissue provides structural support, elasticity, and helps to organize the cardiomyocytes. It includes collagen and elastic fibers, forming the cardiac skeleton. The cardiac skeleton provides structural support for the heart valves and electrical insulation between the atria and ventricles.
While both are abundant, cardiomyocytes and connective tissue are considered key components, with their relative proportions influencing the heart's function and susceptibility to disease.
