B A Young1. 1. Department of Biology, Hollins College, Roanoke, Virginia 24020.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cartilago cordis, a cartilaginous element present within the heart, has been found in a number of vertebrates. The present study provides a detailed description and comparative analysis of the cartilago cordis in snakes. METHODS: Transverse sections through the hearts of 42 snakes and three monitor lizards were examined. RESULTS: A cartilago cordis was found near the roots of the aortic trunk and pulmonary artery in eleven species of snakes. There is substantial variation in the size, shape, and precise location of the cartilago cordis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a cartilago cordis does not correlate with body size, taxonomic relationships, or habitat preference. The cartilago cordis may simply represent an illustration of the potential for chondrification that is present in the connective tissue of the aorticopulmonary septum.
BACKGROUND: The cartilago cordis, a cartilaginous element present within the heart, has been found in a number of vertebrates. The present study provides a detailed description and comparative analysis of the cartilago cordis in snakes. METHODS: Transverse sections through the hearts of 42 snakes and three monitor lizards were examined. RESULTS: A cartilago cordis was found near the roots of the aortic trunk and pulmonary artery in eleven species of snakes. There is substantial variation in the size, shape, and precise location of the cartilago cordis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a cartilago cordis does not correlate with body size, taxonomic relationships, or habitat preference. The cartilago cordis may simply represent an illustration of the potential for chondrification that is present in the connective tissue of the aorticopulmonary septum.
Authors: Paul Palmquist-Gomes; Ernesto Marín-Sedeño; Adrián Ruiz-Villalba; Gustavo Adolfo Rico-Llanos; José María Pérez-Pomares; Juan Antonio Guadix Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2022-03-25 Impact factor: 5.923