Pectinate muscles

Definition

Pectinate muscles are parallel ridges in the walls of the atria of the heart, particularly prominent in the right atrium. They play a role in increasing the contractile force of the atrial chambers without significantly increasing heart mass.

Related terms

Atria: The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood returning to the heart from circulation.

Myocardium: The muscular tissue of the heart that contracts to pump blood out of the heart and into circulation.

Cardiac Conduction System: A system of specialized muscle tissues which conduct electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to beat