From the Research
The trabeculae carneae are located in both ventricles of the heart, while the pectinate muscles are found in the right atrium. Trabeculae carneae are irregular muscular ridges and columns that project from the inner ventricular walls, and are more prominent in the right ventricle than the left 1. Pectinate muscles, on the other hand, are located specifically in the right atrium, extending from the crista terminalis and forming parallel ridges resembling the teeth of a comb 2. These muscular structures serve important functions in cardiac physiology, with the trabeculae carneae helping to strengthen ventricular contractions and prevent overdistension of the ventricles during filling, and the pectinate muscles enhancing the contractile function of the right atrium, aiding in the propulsion of blood into the right ventricle. Some key characteristics of the trabeculae carneae include their unique arrangement of myocytes, which allows them to receive oxygen from both the coronary circulation and the surrounding ventricular blood 3. In contrast, the pectinate muscles have a more uniform arrangement, with fibers oriented perpendicular to the crista terminalis 4. Overall, both structures represent specialized arrangements of cardiac muscle tissue that contribute to the heart's overall pumping efficiency. Key points about the location and function of these structures include:
- Trabeculae carneae are found in both ventricles, with a more prominent presence in the right ventricle
- Pectinate muscles are located in the right atrium, extending from the crista terminalis
- Both structures play important roles in cardiac physiology, with the trabeculae carneae contributing to ventricular contractions and the pectinate muscles enhancing right atrial function.