Morpho‐functional characterization of the heart of Gallus gallus domesticus with special reference to the right muscular atrioventricular valve

Abstract

In this work, we studied the structure and function of the adult chicken heart with a focus on the right muscular atrioventricular valve using anatomic and echocardiographic methods. We demonstrated that the free wall thickness of the right and left ventricles changes from the apex to the base of the heart. The right muscular atrioventricular valve (RAVV) is joined directly to both the parietal right ventricle free wall (one attachment) and the interventricular septum (two attachments: ventral and dorsal). This valve does not have chordae tendineae or papillary muscles. The quantitative morphological and functional characterization of the RAVV is given. In color Doppler echo, no regurgitation of blood flow in the RAVV was observed in any of the studied birds. The blood flow velocity in the RAVV is 56.2 AE 9.6 cm s -1 . A contractile function of the RAVV is shown. Based on the findings obtained, we conclude that the RAVV has a sufficient barrier function. In addition, as this valve is an integral part of the right ventricle free wall, it contributes to the right ventricle pump function. An agreed nomenclature of the parts of the RAVV is required.

Differences between the Filling Velocities of the Left and Right Heart Ventricle in Racing Pigeons (Columba livia F. Domestica) and the Influence of Anesthesia with Isoflurane

“…Our investigations in anesthesia suggest such an explanation, because electrical activation of the ventricular myocardium via the AV node region needs much more time in our cases. It is possible that the atrioventricular ring bundle of pacemaker and conducting cells in the muscular atrial layer of the right AV valve provide this rapid and uniform electrical excitation of this muscular valve [3,5,6,50].…”

“…The left AV valve is formed as a membranous tricuspid AV valve, similar to the anatomically structure of mammalian species [1,2]. In contrast, the right AV valve is an oblique muscular flap of the right-ventricular free wall and consists of atrial and ventricular myocardial parts [1,3]. The right AV is closely linked to an atrioventricular ring bundle of pacemaker and conducting myocytes (formerly known as AV-Purkinje ring), an important part of the conducting system of the avian heart [1,[3][4][5][6].…”

“…The function of the left AV valve is the passive closure of the AV orifice depending on the pressure gradient [1,2]. In contrast, the muscular structure of the right AV valve allows for the active closure of the right AV orifice and the participation of this valve in the pumping function of the right ventricle [3,6,7]. The right atrium is compared to the left atrium larger [2,8,9].…”

Color Flow Doppler Echocardiography in Healthy Racing Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and the Evidence of Physiological Blood Flow Vortex Formations

“…The left AV valve is formed as a membranous tricuspid AV valve with a longer septal cusp, similar to the anatomical structure of mammalian species. In contrast, the right AV valve is an oblique muscular flap of the right ventricular free wall and consists of atrial and ventricular myocardial parts [ 1 , 2 , 5 ]. The function of the left AV valve is a passive closure of the AV orifice depending on the pressure gradient.…”

“…The function of the left AV valve is a passive closure of the AV orifice depending on the pressure gradient. In contrast, the muscular structure of the right AV valve allows an active closure of the right AV orifice and participation of this valve in the pumping function of the right ventricle [ 5 , 6 ]. To fulfil this special function the right valve is separately innervated by an atrioventricular ring bundle of pacemaker and conducting myocytes (formerly known as AV-Purkinje ring) an important part of the conducting system of the avian heart [ 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”