Ventricular outflow tract

Ventricular Outflow Tract

Diagram of the human heart. The ventricular outflow tracts are the pathways leading out of the ventricles.

The Ventricular Outflow Tract (VOT) is a significant part of the cardiovascular system that plays a crucial role in the circulation of blood from the heart to the rest of the body. It comprises two primary components: the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) and the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT).

Anatomy

The VOTs are the pathways that lead out of the ventricles of the heart. The LVOT connects the left ventricle to the aorta, while the RVOT connects the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.

Function

The primary function of the VOTs is to facilitate the flow of blood from the ventricles to the arteries. The LVOT carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, which then distributes it to the rest of the body. The RVOT, on the other hand, carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, which transports it to the lungs for oxygenation.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the VOTs can lead to several cardiovascular conditions. For instance, Pulmonary Stenosis and Aortic Stenosis are conditions characterized by a narrowing of the RVOT and LVOT, respectively. These conditions can impede blood flow and increase the workload on the heart.

Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia (VOTVT) is another condition associated with the VOTs. It is a type of tachycardia that originates in the VOTs and can lead to rapid heart rates and palpitations.

See Also

• Cardiovascular System
• Ventricles (heart)
• Aorta
• Pulmonary Artery