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Analysis of cardiac development in the turtle Emys orbicularis (Testudines: Emidydae) using 3-D computer modeling
Laura M F Bertens1, M K Richardson, F J Verbeek
1Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|June 29, 2010
Summary
This study reveals novel insights into turtle heart development, detailing the embryonic origins of the horizontal septum and unique heart tube looping. 3-D reconstructions highlight differences from human cardiac development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- The embryonic development of the horizontal septum in the turtle ventricle (Testudines) is not well-described.
- Understanding cardiac morphogenesis in reptiles offers insights into vertebrate evolution.
- Turtles possess a unique ventricular structure with a partly divided common ventricle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the embryonic development of the horizontal septum in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis).
- To investigate the role of heart tube looping in forming the horizontal septum.
- To provide a detailed 3-D reconstruction of turtle cardiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Serial sectioning of Emys orbicularis embryos at various developmental stages.
- Computerized high-resolution 3-D reconstructions using the TDR-3-D base platform.
- Chronological analysis of cardiac development and morphogenesis.
Main Results:
- A novel understanding of the horizontal septum's development and its direct relation to heart tube looping was achieved.
- Turtle heart tube looping exhibits two distinct bends, differing from the single bend observed in human heart development.
- New insights into the developmental origins of the pulmonary vein were uncovered.
Conclusions:
- The unique two-bend looping of the turtle heart tube is crucial for horizontal septum formation.
- 3-D reconstructions provide unprecedented detail for studying reptilian cardiac morphogenesis.
- Interactive 3-D models enhance accessibility and engagement with developmental biology data.
