cardiac right atrium morphogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The process in which the right cardiac atrium is generated and organized. [GOC:mtg_heart]

Cardiac right atrium morphogenesis is a complex developmental process that begins early in embryonic development and culminates in the formation of the functional right atrium, a chamber of the heart responsible for receiving deoxygenated blood from the body. This process involves a coordinated interplay of various signaling pathways, transcription factors, and cell interactions.

The development of the right atrium starts with the formation of the primitive heart tube, a simple, tubular structure that arises from the mesoderm. This tube is then divided into four chambers: the sinus venosus, the atrium, the ventricle, and the bulbus cordis. The sinus venosus, which will eventually become the right atrium, receives blood from the body via the vitelline veins.

During the early stages of development, the sinus venosus is located posterior to the atrium. As development progresses, the sinus venosus is incorporated into the right atrium, forming the smooth-walled part of the chamber known as the sinus venarum. The right atrium proper develops from the anterior part of the atrium and is characterized by its trabeculated wall.

Several signaling pathways play crucial roles in right atrium morphogenesis. One such pathway is the Notch signaling pathway, which regulates cell fate decisions and promotes the formation of the trabeculated wall. The Wnt signaling pathway is also involved in right atrium development, particularly in regulating the formation of the atrioventricular valve.

Transcription factors, such as Tbx5, Nkx2.5, and GATA4, are essential for the proper development of the right atrium. These factors regulate gene expression and control the differentiation of cardiac cells into specific types. For instance, Tbx5 is required for the development of the right atrium and the formation of the atrioventricular valve.

Cell interactions are also vital for right atrium morphogenesis. The endocardial cells lining the heart tube interact with the underlying mesoderm, triggering the formation of the trabeculated wall. This process involves the migration and proliferation of mesenchymal cells, which contribute to the formation of the trabeculae.

During the latter stages of development, the right atrium undergoes further maturation. The sinoatrial node, which serves as the pacemaker of the heart, develops within the wall of the right atrium. The crista terminalis, a ridge of tissue separating the smooth-walled sinus venarum from the trabeculated right atrium, also becomes prominent.

Finally, the right atrium is connected to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve, which regulates blood flow between these two chambers. The formation of the tricuspid valve is a complex process involving the fusion of endocardial cushions and the differentiation of valve cells.

In summary, cardiac right atrium morphogenesis is a precisely coordinated process involving the interplay of various signaling pathways, transcription factors, and cell interactions. This intricate developmental program ensures the formation of a functional right atrium, a crucial component of the circulatory system.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)