Objective To research pacemaker cells outside conductive system of rat and mouse heart. Methods Paraffin and frozen serial sections (stained with HE, Masson, cholinesterase technique), and ultrastructural sections, from atrial tissue of 10 rats and 15 mice were observed by light and electron microscopy to find latent pacemaker-like cells. Results Some round or elliptical cells were scattered and irregularly detected in right and left atrial tissue of rat and mouse. Their nuclei were larger, plasma was clearer and cellular organelles were fewer than those of working myocyte. These cells were similar to pacemaker cells in sinoatrial node.Conclusion There are some pacemaker-like cells in right and left atrial tissue of rat and mouse. The finding can provide a morphological basis for ectopic beat of atrium.