Cardiogenic area

Definition

The cardiogenic area is the region in the early embryo where heart development begins, identifiable when cells start to differentiate into cardiac tissue. This area sets the foundation for the formation of the heart's structure and function.

Related terms

Cardiac muscle cells: These are specialized muscle cells that make up the heart and are responsible for its contraction.

Endocardium: The innermost layer of tissue that lines the chambers of the heart, originating from cells in the cardiogenic area.

Heart tube: The initial tubular structure formed from folding of the embryonic cardiac tissue, which eventually develops into a fully functional heart