Ligament
Fibrous skeleton of the heart
Connective support and electrical separation around cardiac junctions
High-yield
The atrioventricular conduction axis normally crosses the insulating junction through the central fibrous body. Mechanical support and electrical separation are distinct functions of the same region.
Overview
Dense connective tissue supports valve attachments and neighboring myocardium. The fibrous trigones and membranous septal region form an important central part of this framework, separating ordinary atrial muscle from ventricular muscle.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- Connective tissues at valve attachments, including right and left fibrous trigones, aortic–mitral continuity and the membranous septal region
- Function
- Supports valves and myocardium and electrically separates ordinary atrial and ventricular muscle
- Clinical point
- The nearby penetrating atrioventricular bundle can be affected by disease or procedures around the central fibrous body
Clinical correlation
The conduction axis lies close to the aortic root and central fibrous tissues. Disease or interventions in this region can therefore disturb atrioventricular conduction, including causing heart block.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the fibrous skeleton of the heart attach?
Connective tissues at valve attachments, including right and left fibrous trigones, aortic–mitral continuity and the membranous septal region.
What does the fibrous skeleton of the heart do?
Supports valves and myocardium and electrically separates ordinary atrial and ventricular muscle.
Why does the fibrous skeleton of the heart matter clinically?
The nearby penetrating atrioventricular bundle can be affected by disease or procedures around the central fibrous body.