Conus arteriosus
Conus Arteriosus[edit | edit source]
The conus arteriosus is a vital structure in the heart of certain vertebrates, particularly in fish and amphibians. It plays a crucial role in the circulatory system by facilitating the flow of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In this article, we will explore the anatomy, function, and evolutionary significance of the conus arteriosus.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The conus arteriosus is a muscular extension of the right ventricle in the heart. It is located between the ventricle and the ventral aorta. In fish, the conus arteriosus contains a series of valves that help prevent the backflow of blood, ensuring unidirectional flow towards the gills for oxygenation. In amphibians, the structure is more simplified but still serves a similar function.
In mammals, the conus arteriosus is not present as a distinct structure. Instead, its function has been incorporated into the development of the pulmonary trunk and the aorta. During embryonic development, the conus arteriosus contributes to the formation of these major arteries.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the conus arteriosus is to regulate blood flow from the heart to the gills or lungs. In fish, it acts as a buffer chamber that smooths out the pulsatile output of the heart, allowing for a more continuous flow of blood. This is particularly important in aquatic environments where efficient gas exchange is critical.
In amphibians, the conus arteriosus helps direct blood to the lungs and skin for oxygenation, as these animals often rely on both pulmonary and cutaneous respiration.
Evolutionary Significance[edit | edit source]
The conus arteriosus is an important structure in the study of vertebrate evolution. It represents an intermediate stage in the transition from the simple two-chambered heart of fish to the more complex four-chambered heart of mammals and birds. The presence of the conus arteriosus in early vertebrates highlights the evolutionary adaptations that have occurred to optimize circulatory efficiency in different environments.
Clinical Relevance[edit | edit source]
While the conus arteriosus itself is not present in humans, understanding its function and evolution provides insight into congenital heart defects. Some congenital conditions, such as tetralogy of Fallot, involve malformations of the structures derived from the embryonic conus arteriosus.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular disease A-Z
Most common cardiac diseases
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiogenetic disorders
- Cardiomegaly
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Chronic rheumatic heart diseases
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart neoplasia
- Ischemic heart diseases
- Pericardial disorders
- Syndromes affecting the heart
- Valvular heart disease
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A[edit source]
- Accelerated idioventricular rhythm
- Acute decompensated heart failure
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease
- Athletic heart syndrome
- Atrial flutter
- Atrioventricular fistula
- Cardiovascular disease in Australia
- Autoimmune heart disease
B[edit source]
C[edit source]
- Ebb Cade
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Cardiac asthma
- Cardiac tamponade
- Cardiogenic shock
- Cardiogeriatrics
- Cardiorenal syndrome
- Cardiotoxicity
- Carditis
- Coronary artery aneurysm
- Coronary artery anomaly
- Coronary artery disease
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
- Coronary artery ectasia
- Coronary occlusion
- Coronary steal
- Coronary thrombosis
- Coronary vasospasm
- Cœur en sabot
- Coxsackievirus-induced cardiomyopathy
D[edit source]
E[edit source]
H[edit source]
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Heart to Heart (1949 film)
- High-output heart failure
- Hyperdynamic precordium
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
I[edit source]
- Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis
- Interventricular dyssynchrony
- Intraventricular dyssynchrony
- Isolated atrial amyloidosis
K[edit source]
L[edit source]
M[edit source]
- Mydicar
- Myocardial bridge
- Myocardial disarray
- Myocardial rupture
- Myocardial scarring
- Myocardial stunning
- Myocarditis
N[edit source]
O[edit source]
P[edit source]
- Papillary fibroelastoma
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Postpericardiotomy syndrome
- Pulmonary vein stenosis
R[edit source]
S[edit source]
- Saturated fat and cardiovascular disease
- SCAR-Fc
- Shone's syndrome
- Strain pattern
- Subacute bacterial endocarditis
- Sudden cardiac death of athletes
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
T[edit source]
V[edit source]
W[edit source]
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