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Cardiac morphological and morphometric analysis of Ardea alba
Julia Vaz Feio1,2, Max Alex Santos Ferreira1,3, Elane Guerreiro Giese2,3
1Animal Morphology Research Laboratory (LaPMA), Federal Rural University of Amazonia, Belém, Brazil.
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
|May 19, 2026
Summary
This study details the cardiac morphology of the Great Egret (Ardea alba), revealing unique cartilage in its heart valves. These findings enhance avian cardiovascular anatomy knowledge.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Anatomy
- Avian Cardiology
- Vertebrate Morphology
Background:
- The Great Egret (Ardea alba) is a widespread heron species.
- Detailed cardiovascular morphology of A. alba is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cardiac morphology and morphometry of adult Ardea alba.
- To expand the anatomical knowledge of avian cardiology.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic, morphometric, histological, scanning electron microscopy, and 3D scanning techniques were employed.
- Analysis of ten adult A. alba specimens.
Main Results:
- The heart constituted ~1.16% of body mass and occupied ~50% of the coelomic cavity.
- Purkinje fibers were observed in the subendothelial layer.
- A novel finding of elastic cartilage in the pulmonary valve commissures, alongside hyaline cartilage in the fibrous trigone and aortic valve commissures, was documented.
Conclusions:
- The study provides comprehensive cardiac anatomical data for Ardea alba.
- The presence of unique cartilage types in cardiac structures offers new avenues for comparative vertebrate studies.
