Embryology of The Heart Flashcards
(142 cards)
What is the embryonic heart tube, and how does it form?
The embryonic heart tube is the primitive precursor of the heart, formed by the fusion of bilateral cardiogenic fields in the mesoderm. It initially presents as a linear tube composed of endocardial, myocardial, and epicardial layers. This tube undergoes looping and segmentation to establish the basic layout of the mature heart.
Describe the process of cardiac looping and its significance.
Cardiac looping is the bending and twisting of the linear heart tube into a more complex, S-shaped structure. This process, which occurs during the fourth week of development, is crucial as it establishes the spatial orientation and alignment of the future atria and ventricles.
What roles do the endocardial cushions play in cardiac septation?
Endocardial cushions are specialized swellings within the heart tube that contribute to the formation of the atrioventricular (AV) septum. They are essential in partitioning the heart into separate chambers by forming both the AV valves and the membranous portions of the interventricular septum.
Explain the development of the atrial septum and potential defects that can arise.
The atrial septum develops through a sequential process involving the formation of the septum primum and septum secundum. Failure in proper closure of this structure after birth can lead to an atrial septal defect (ASD).
How does the division of the truncus arteriosus contribute to the development of the great vessels?
The truncus arteriosus is divided into the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk through the formation of a spiral (aorticopulmonary) septum. Improper septation can lead to persistent truncus arteriosus.
What is Tetralogy of Fallot, and how is it related to cardiac embryology?
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect characterized by four anatomical abnormalities: ventricular septal defect (VSD), pulmonary stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an overriding aorta. TOF is often linked to malalignment of the infundibular septum during embryogenesis.
Define the development and clinical importance of the cardiac conduction system.
The cardiac conduction system develops from specialized myocardial cells and includes the sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers. Abnormal development can result in arrhythmias or conduction blocks.
What is ventricular septation, and what congenital anomalies can arise from its malformation?
Ventricular septation is the process by which the single primitive ventricle divides into right and left ventricles. Incomplete or abnormal septation can result in a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
How do neural crest cells contribute to cardiac development?
Neural crest cells migrate from the neural tube and play a crucial role in the formation of the outflow tract, including the aorticopulmonary septum. Disruptions can lead to conotruncal anomalies.
What embryological events are implicated in the development of coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta arises from aberrations in the remodeling of the aortic arch and the ductus arteriosus during fetal development.
Discuss the embryological basis and clinical implications of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
The ductus arteriosus connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta. Failure of closure results in a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which can cause persistent left-to-right shunting and increased pulmonary blood flow.
How does the remodeling of the cardiac jelly contribute to heart development?
Cardiac jelly plays a critical role in the early formation of cardiac structures and supports the formation of endocardial cushions. Proper remodeling is essential for structural integrity and functional differentiation of the heart.
When does the development of the heart begin?
Third week
What are the two endothelial strands formed during heart development called?
Angioblastic cords
What do the angioblastic cords form as they canalize?
Two heart tubes
What happens to the two heart tubes by the end of the third week?
They fuse into a single heart tube
By the fourth week, the developing heart receives blood from how many pairs of veins?
Three pairs
What are the names of the three pairs of veins supplying blood to the developing heart?
- Vitelline veins
- Umbilical veins
- Common cardinal veins
What type of blood do the vitelline veins carry?
Poorly oxygenated blood
From where do the umbilical veins carry blood?
Chorion, the primordial placenta
What type of blood do the umbilical veins carry?
Oxygenated blood
What do the common cardinal veins carry?
Poorly oxygenated blood from the rest of the embryo
What structure develops in close association with the septum transversum?
Primordial liver
What do the hepatic cords form as they surround epithelial-lined spaces?
Primordial hepatic sinusoids