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Circulatory physiology in the developing embryo
1Pediatric Cardiology Program, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA. colin.phoon@med.nyu.edu
Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|January 22, 2002
Summary
Early embryonic development involves complex cardiovascular changes. Understanding these circulatory dynamics and their regulation is crucial for normal embryonic growth and identifying developmental abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Embryology
Background:
- Advances in molecular cardiology have outpaced knowledge of early developmental circulatory physiology.
- Embryonic cardiovascular development is a complex, orchestrated process linked to structural growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current understanding of early developmental circulatory physiology.
- To highlight recent insights from new techniques and mammalian models.
- To identify future challenges in understanding cardiovascular development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on embryonic cardiovascular physiology.
- Analysis of data from newer techniques studying developmental models.
- Synthesis of information on myocardial and peripheral vascular changes.
Main Results:
- Early development shows increasing heart rate, preload, and cardiac output.
- Peripheral resistance decreases, and ventricular compliance increases during development.
- These changes support the growing metabolic demands of the embryo.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the mechanisms regulating cardiovascular hemodynamics is a key challenge.
- Further research is needed on normal physiologic adaptation and abnormal cardiovascular development.
Related Concept Videos
02:03Anatomy of the Circulatory System
The human circulatory system consists of blood, blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart, around the body, and back to the heart, and the heart itself, which acts as a central pump. The systemic circuit supplies blood to the whole body, the coronary circuit supplies blood to the heart, and the pulmonary circuit supplies blood flow between the heart and lungs.
01:15Overview of Systemic and Pulmonary Circulation
The systemic and pulmonary circuits are crucial components of the circulatory system, working together to transport blood between the heart, lungs, and the rest of the body. The process begins with pulmonary circulation, where deoxygenated blood is pumped from the right ventricle to the lungs via the pulmonary trunk and arteries. Upon reaching the lungs, the blood becomes oxygenated and returns to the heart, specifically to the left atrium, via the pulmonary veins.
The oxygenated blood is sent...
The oxygenated blood is sent...
01:27Development of the Heart
The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
01:17Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Autoregulation mechanisms are characterized by their inherent capacity for self-regulation without necessitating specific nervous stimulation or endocrine control. These mechanisms facilitate the adjustment of blood flow and, therefore, perfusion specific to each tissue region. This self-regulation encompasses chemical signals and myogenic controls.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.
01:07Development of Blood Vessels
The development of the vascular system in a fetus is a complex and intricate process that begins as early as 15 to 16 days post-conception. This process starts outside the embryo, specifically in the mesoderm of the yolk sac, chorion, and connecting stalk. Approximately two days later, the formation of blood vessels occurs within the embryo itself.
The initial formation of this system is facilitated by the small amount of yolk present in the ovum and yolk sac. Blood vessels originate from...
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01:14Fetal Circulation
Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
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