T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The right and left atria are on the low pressure side of the heart. The lower workload results in thinner walls than in the ventricles (compare with MH 070 Heart).
Right Atrium - receives venous blood from the systemic circulation. Pectinate muscles (bundles of muscle that protrude from the surface) are common in the right atrium.
Heart wall is divided into three parts:
Endocardium - inner surface of endothelial cells supported by a thin layer of dense irregular connective tissue
Myocardium - cardiac muscle responsible for the pumping action of the heart. It also contains blood vessels, nerves and adipose cells
Epicardium - outer surface of mesothelial cells supported by dense irregular connective tissue
Left Atrium - receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
Epicardium - outer surface of mesothelial cells (mostly missing on this specimen) supported by dense irregular connective tissue. An inner layer of loose adipose connective tissue is also found in some areas.