Category: Cardiac Embryology

Introduction The truncus arteriosus is a key structure in early cardiac development. It represents the distal portion of the primitive heart tube and serves as the single arterial outflow channel for both ventricles in the early embryo. Over time, the truncus arteriosus undergoes a complex process of septation, dividing into two separate great arteries: the…

Introduction The bulbus cordis is a crucial structure in early cardiac development. Arising from the cranial portion of the primitive heart tube, it plays a central role in forming the right ventricle and the outflow tracts of the heart. Proper development and rotation of the bulbus cordis are essential to ensure correct alignment of the…

The primitive ventricle is a critical component of the developing heart, serving as a precursor to the mature left and right ventricles. Its formation during early embryogenesis ensures effective embryonic circulation, establishes the basis for ventricular trabeculation, and contributes to the morphogenesis of the right ventricle in conjunction with the bulbus cordis. Understanding the development…

The heart is the first organ to become functional during vertebrate embryogenesis. Its formation involves a series of highly coordinated morphological events, starting with the establishment of the cardiogenic area, formation of the primitive heart tube, and culminating in heart tube folding or looping. This process is critical for chamber alignment, proper blood flow, and…

Introduction The formation of the primitive heart tube represents a critical milestone in cardiac embryology. It marks the transition from bilateral endocardial tubes to a single, continuous heart structure capable of initiating the rhythmic contractions necessary for embryonic circulation. This process begins around day 22–23 of gestation and lays the foundation for all subsequent cardiac…

Introduction The formation of endocardial tubes represents a critical step in early cardiac development. It establishes the foundation for the primitive heart tube, which later undergoes looping, septation, and chamber formation to become a fully functional four-chambered heart. This process begins in the third week of gestation, involving complex cellular migrations, molecular signaling, and morphogenetic…

The development of the heart is one of the earliest and most critical events during embryogenesis. The cardiogenic area, also called the primary heart field, is the embryonic region where the heart originates. Understanding the formation of the cardiogenic area provides insight into cardiac morphogenesis, congenital heart defects, and the regulation of cardiac progenitor cells.…

Introduction The heart is the first functional organ to develop during embryogenesis, beginning to beat around the third week of gestation. Cardiac development is a complex, highly regulated process involving cell migration, differentiation, morphogenesis, and septation, orchestrated by genetic and molecular signals. Understanding cardiac embryology is critical for clinicians, cardiologists, and surgeons because many congenital…