Later Development, Develop. Physiol., Dr. D. Penney

Table 3.19 - Cell Composition of the Adult Human Heart.

Large cells

Myocardial (myocyte) or muscle cells - Human heart contains approximately 2,000,000,000 (25% of cells & nuclei by number; 75 - 78% of organ volume; cells 15 - 17 x 75 - 100 um cylinders of complex morphology; L/W ratio = 5.5).

Small cells

Fibroblasts - Human heart contains approx. 4 - 6,000,000,000 (synthesize collagen struts, elastin; network holding muscle cells together).

Endothelial cells - (lining of coronary blood vessels, and ventricular chambers).

Smooth muscle cells - (act to control vessel caliber).

Nerve cells - sympathetic, parasympathetic adipose cells.

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