Fibrous skeleton of heart
Skeleton fibrosum cordis
- Synonym: Fibrous base of the heart; Cardiac skeleton
Definition
The fibrous skeleton of the heart is a dense framework of connective tissue that provides structural support and electrical insulation within the heart. It consists primarily of fibrous rings (annuli fibrosi) surrounding the atrioventricular and arterial valve orifices, as well as interconnected fibrous tissue forming the central fibrous body. This structure anchors the heart valves, maintains the shape and patency of the cardiac openings, and serves as an attachment site for the cardiac muscle fibers. Additionally, it electrically separates the atria from the ventricles, ensuring that impulse conduction occurs only through the specialized conduction system (notably the atrioventricular bundle).
It comprises the following structures:
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