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Anatomy, Histology, Aetiology, Development and Functions of Cartilago Cordis: A Systematic Review
Valentina Kubale1, Adam Best2, Shirley Mai2
1Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Preclinical Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Insights
The cartilago cordis, a cardiac structure, varies in presence, form, and location across vertebrate species. Its exact function remains unknown, necessitating further research into its role and prevalence in cardiac anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Cardiovascular Morphology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The cartilago cordis is a component of the cardiac skeleton found in select vertebrate species.
- Its presence, structure, and function are not universally documented across all vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and compare the presence, structure, and function of the cartilago cordis in vertebrates.
- To synthesize existing knowledge on cartilago cordis morphology, prevalence, and potential roles.
Main Methods:
- Conducted comprehensive literature searches for studies on cartilago cordis.
- Gathered data on anatomical location, morphology, prevalence, development, and function across species.
Main Results:
- Cartilago cordis, typically hyaline cartilage, exhibits variable location and structure among species.
- Identified in 68 vertebrates (amphibians, mammals, reptiles, birds), but not universally present.
- Function is unknown; proposed roles include cardiac support, conduction, and contraction, with potential links to pathologies.
Conclusions:
- The cartilago cordis displays significant variation in prevalence, structure, and location.
- Further research is essential to elucidate its function and developmental origins.
- The known prevalence may underestimate the actual distribution due to size and variability.
Introduction:
The cartilago cordis is a structure present within the cardiac skeleton of some, but not all, vertebrate species. This systematic review compared the presence, structure, and function of the cartilago cordis from published works covering all vertebrate species.
Methods:
Literature searches were conducted to obtain information relating to the anatomical location, morphology, prevalence, number of structures, development, and function.
Results:
The cartilago cordis was most commonly composed of hyaline cartilage but its location within the cardiac skeleton, anatomical, and histological structure varied between species. The cartilago cordis has not been documented in every vertebrate species, or every individual within each species, but it is present in 68 vertebrates including an amphibian, and some mammals, reptiles, and birds. The function of the cartilago cordis is unknown, but theories have ranged from an adaptive mechanism to support cardiac tissue through to roles in conduction and contraction, especially in areas of high mechanical stress. Possible links between the presence of a cartilago cordis and cardiac pathologies were also identified.
Conclusion:
The cartilago cordis varied in prevalence, structure, and location; further research is required to understand the function and development. In addition, it is possible there are more vertebrate species containing cartilago cordis than presently known about given its varying prevalence and sometimes small size.
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