Bulbus cordis

Bulbus cordis is an embryonic structure that forms part of the developing heart in a fetus. It is one of the five primitive sections of the heart that eventually develop into the mature heart structure. The bulbus cordis is responsible for the formation of the right ventricle and the outflow tracts of the heart, including the pulmonary artery and aorta.

Development

The bulbus cordis develops during the third week of embryogenesis. It is initially a cylindrical structure that is connected to the primitive ventricle on one end and the truncus arteriosus on the other. As the heart begins to form, the bulbus cordis moves and rotates, eventually forming the right ventricle and outflow tracts.

Structure

The bulbus cordis is divided into two parts: the conus cordis and the truncus arteriosus. The conus cordis forms the upper part of the right ventricle, while the truncus arteriosus forms the roots and ascending portions of the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the development of the bulbus cordis can lead to several congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and persistent truncus arteriosus. These conditions can have serious effects on the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, and often require surgical intervention.

See also

• Heart development
• Embryogenesis
• Congenital heart defect