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💀anatomy and physiology i review

Cardiac Jelly

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Cardiac jelly is a gelatinous extracellular matrix that forms during the early development of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the formation and shaping of the heart as it transitions from a simple tubular structure to a complex, multi-chambered organ.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cardiac jelly is secreted by the endocardial cells, which line the inner surface of the developing heart tube.
  2. The cardiac jelly provides a hydrated, malleable environment that allows the heart tube to undergo the complex morphological changes required for heart formation.
  3. As the heart tube elongates and loops, the cardiac jelly helps to shape the developing chambers and valves.
  4. The endocardial cushions, which form the heart valves and septa, are derived from the cardiac jelly.
  5. Disruptions in the formation or remodeling of the cardiac jelly can lead to congenital heart defects.

Review Questions

  • Explain the role of cardiac jelly in the development of the heart.
    • Cardiac jelly is a crucial component in the early development of the heart. It is secreted by the endocardial cells and provides a hydrated, malleable environment that allows the heart tube to undergo the complex morphological changes required for heart formation. As the heart tube elongates and loops, the cardiac jelly helps to shape the developing chambers and valves. The endocardial cushions, which form the heart valves and septa, are derived from the cardiac jelly. Disruptions in the formation or remodeling of the cardiac jelly can lead to congenital heart defects.
  • Describe the relationship between the cardiac jelly and the endocardial cushions during heart development.
    • The cardiac jelly plays a key role in the formation of the endocardial cushions, which are thickened regions of the cardiac jelly that contribute to the development of the heart valves and septa. As the heart tube undergoes looping and remodeling, the cardiac jelly provides a supportive matrix that allows the endocardial cushions to form and differentiate into the various structures of the mature heart. The proper formation and remodeling of the cardiac jelly is essential for the endocardial cushions to develop correctly, and disruptions in this process can lead to congenital heart defects.
  • Analyze the potential consequences of abnormalities in the cardiac jelly during heart development.
    • Disruptions in the formation or remodeling of the cardiac jelly can have significant consequences for the development of the heart. Since the cardiac jelly provides the necessary structural and biochemical support for the complex morphological changes that occur during cardiogenesis, any abnormalities in the cardiac jelly can lead to improper heart tube elongation, looping, and chamber/valve formation. This can result in a variety of congenital heart defects, such as septal defects, valve abnormalities, and even more severe malformations. Understanding the critical role of the cardiac jelly in heart development is essential for identifying potential causes and developing interventions for congenital heart defects.