BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe the morphological changes in the normal pattern of ventricular myoarchitecture in the prenatal and adult human heart, to understand the three-dimensional organization of the muscle fibers and their active functional role in valvular dynamics. METHODS: We used dissection and histological techniques in 56 human hearts from fetuses and adults of both sexes. RESULTS: In all hearts, the ventricular wall was arranged in three different layers: superficial (subepicardial), middle, and deep (subendocardial) myocardium. The superficial and deep layers are present in both ventricles, whereas the middle layer is found only in the left ventricle. Age-related differences were noted in the pattern of myoarchitecture of the superficial layer, mainly in the fetal period, and especially in the right ventricle; however, the middle layer always shows a circumferential pattern, which is specially evident in elderly hearts. The ventricular fibers in the superficial and deep layers are anchored in the ventricular orifices. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that muscle fiber architecture showed age- but not sex-related differences. These variations may reflect a mechanism of adaptation of the heart to functional demands throughout life.
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe the morphological changes in the normal pattern of ventricular myoarchitecture in the prenatal and adult human heart, to understand the three-dimensional organization of the muscle fibers and their active functional role in valvular dynamics. METHODS: We used dissection and histological techniques in 56 human hearts from fetuses and adults of both sexes. RESULTS: In all hearts, the ventricular wall was arranged in three different layers: superficial (subepicardial), middle, and deep (subendocardial) myocardium. The superficial and deep layers are present in both ventricles, whereas the middle layer is found only in the left ventricle. Age-related differences were noted in the pattern of myoarchitecture of the superficial layer, mainly in the fetal period, and especially in the right ventricle; however, the middle layer always shows a circumferential pattern, which is specially evident in elderly hearts. The ventricular fibers in the superficial and deep layers are anchored in the ventricular orifices. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that muscle fiber architecture showed age- but not sex-related differences. These variations may reflect a mechanism of adaptation of the heart to functional demands throughout life.
Authors: Allyson A Gibson; Gautam K Singh; Joseph J Hoffman; Achiau Ludomirsky; Mark R Holland Journal: Ultrasound Med Biol Date: 2008-10-31 Impact factor: 2.998
Authors: Peter Agger; Satyan Lakshminrusimha; Christoffer Laustsen; Sylvia Gugino; Jesper R Frandsen; Morten Smerup; Robert H Anderson; Vibeke Hjortdal; Robin H Steinhorn Journal: Pediatr Res Date: 2015-12-17 Impact factor: 3.756