Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 14e with Atlas of the Skeleton Set (14th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11877-456-6
ISBN 13: 978-1-11877-456-4

Chapter 20 - The Cardiovascular System: The Heart - Figure 20.5 - Page 696: 1

Answer

The fibrous skeleon of the heart consits of layers of dense connective tissue . This connective tissue is the structural foundation to which the heart valves are attached This attachent restrains the heart valves and keeps them from overstretching as the blood passes through them.

Work Step by Step

The fibrous skeleton of the heart has several functions: it provides structural support for the heart valves; it prevents overstretching of the heart valves as the blood passes through them; it also provides points of attachment for bundles of cardiac muscle fibers, and it is an electrical insulator between atria and ventricles. Overstretched cardiac valves do not close completely, and may develop clinical conditions such as valvulr insufficiences, valvular murmurs, or worse valvular prolapses.
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