Septum spurium

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Septum spurium is a transient structure found in the developing heart of a human embryo. It is a part of the cardiovascular system and plays a role during the early stages of heart development.

Formation

The septum spurium forms during the early stages of embryonic development, specifically in the first trimester. It arises from the fusion of the right venous valve and the left venous valve of the sinus venosus. The sinus venosus is a cavity that precedes the formation of the right atrium and left atrium.

Function

The primary function of the septum spurium is to act as a temporary partition within the developing heart. It helps in directing the flow of blood through the atrioventricular canal and into the ventricles. As the heart continues to develop, the septum spurium typically regresses and is absorbed into the developing interatrial septum.

Clinical Significance

In most cases, the septum spurium does not persist into adulthood. However, if it does, it can sometimes be mistaken for other cardiac structures during diagnostic imaging. It is important for clinicians to recognize the septum spurium to avoid misdiagnosis.

Related Structures

• Interatrial septum
• Sinus venosus
• Right atrium
• Left atrium
• Atrioventricular canal

See Also

• Heart development
• Embryology
• Cardiovascular system