Cardiac skeleton

Definition

The cardiac skeleton consists of dense connective tissue that provides structural support and insulation for the electrical impulses within the heart. It separates the atria from the ventricles and anchors heart valves and muscle fibers.

Related terms

Heart Valves: Valve structures within the heart that control blood flow direction between chambers and into major arteries.

Atria:

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart from the body and lungs.

Ventricles:

The two lower chambers of the heart responsible for pumping blood out to the body and lungs