Review of os cordis

Figure: Relative position of Ossa cordis in the heart, dorsal aspect with of ventriculi cordis with the atria removed (drawing by Samo Krivec, Veterinary faculty, University of Ljubljana; adopted from Habel et al., 2018, Illustrated Nomina Anatomica veterinaria ( 4th ed.).

Systematic review regarding heart skeleton published in Anatomia Histologia Embriologia journal, highlights the similarities and variations in ossa cordis prevalence, morphology, histology and anatomical location between differing veterinary species and in humans. It also identifies associated factors such as aging and cardiovascular disease for each species in relation to functional roles and developmental mechanisms that these bone structures may play. The potential functions of os cordis are presented, ranging from aiding cardiac contraction and conduction, providing cardiac structure, and protecting components of the heart, through to counteracting high mechanical stress. Furthermore, this review discusses the evidence and rationale behind the theories regarding the formation and development of ossa cordis in different veterinary species and in people.

The article is also very useful in pedagogical work with students. Samo Krivec, a student at the Veterinary faculty, University in Ljubljana, participated in the article as the author of one of the figures, which was drawn according to the NAV model (Nomina anatomica veterinaria illustrated) exclusively for this article.

Authors: Adam Best, Monika Egerbacher, Sophia Swaine, William Pérez, Aziza Alibhai, Paul Rutland, Valentina Kubale, Samir A.A. El-Gendy, Mohamed, A.M. Alsafy, Kerstin Baiker, Craig J Sturrock, and Catrin Sian Rutland

Original article published in: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ahe.12861