Interatrial Septum

Interatrial septum: Anatomy, function and pathologies

The interatrial septum, also known as the septum interatriale, is a structure in the heart that separates the left and right atria. It plays an important role in ensuring normal blood circulation and functioning of the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will look at the anatomy and function of the interatrial septum, as well as some of the pathologies associated with this structure.

Anatomy of the interatrial septum:

The interatrial septum is a thin partition made up of connective tissue and muscle. It starts from the top of the interatrial groove and continues to the interatrial groove at the bottom of the heart. The upper part of the interatrial septum usually has an oval opening called the foramen ovale or foramen ovale. This hole is a normal anatomical variation and usually closes after birth.

Function of the interatrial septum:

The main function of the interatrial septum is to divide blood flow between the right and left atria. It prevents oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium from mixing with oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium. This allows you to maintain normal oxygen exchange and ensures the proper functioning of the heart and circulatory organs.

Pathologies of the interatrial septum:

Despite the fact that the interatrial septum performs an important function, it can also become the source of some pathological conditions. The most common pathology of the interatrial septum is its incomplete tightening after birth, which leads to the presence of an oval window. In most cases, this does not cause serious problems, but in some cases, a foramen ovale can cause a paretic stroke or circulatory problems.

The oval window can be surgically closed if necessary. This procedure, known as percutaneous oval closure, is performed using a catheter and helps prevent blood from mixing between the atria.

In addition, the interatrial septum may be susceptible to other developmental anomalies such as interatrial defects and atrioventricular defects. These conditions require medical intervention to correct and maintain normal functioning of the interatrial septum.

Conclusion:

The interatrial septum is an important structure in the heart that ensures the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Its anatomy and function contribute to the division of blood flow between the atria and the maintenance of optimal oxygen exchange. However, some pathologies, such as incomplete closure of the oval window or developmental abnormalities, can lead to circulatory problems and require medical intervention.

The study of the interatrial septum and its pathologies is an important aspect in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. Understanding its role and influence on the functioning of the heart helps in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of possible complications.

In further research and development of medicine, it is important to deepen our knowledge of the interatrial septum and associated pathologies. This will allow us to develop more effective diagnostic and treatment methods, as well as improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients with related cardiovascular diseases.

Links:

1. Anderson, R. H., & Ho, S. Y. (2009). The anatomy and development of normal and abnormal atrial septum. Cardiology in the Young, 19(S2), 50-57.

2. Warnes, C. A., Williams, R. G., Bashore, T. M., Child, J. S., Connolly, H. M., Dearani, J. A., ... & Fasules, J. W. (2008). ACC/AHA 2008 guidelines for the management of adults with congenital heart disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines on the Management of Adults With Congenital Heart Disease). Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 52(23), e143-e263.

3. Vaidyanathan, R., & Wann, L. S. (2015). Atrial septal defects in adults. In Coronary Artery Disease in Women: What All Physicians Need to Know (pp. 287–296). Springer International Publishing.

4. Rigatelli, G., Dell'Avvocata, F., & Chinaglia, M. (2009). Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale: a comprehensive review for the general cardiologist. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 13(4), 245-265.

The interatrial septum (lat. septum interatriale) is a muscular-membranous narrow layer separating the right and left atria in mammals and humans, which is also called the interventricular septum. Part of the diaphragm covering the posterior sections of the body of the atria (and their upper border) protrudes forward in the form of a cluster of muscle bundles. The bundles are interconnected by transverse and longitudinal ligaments.