Cardiac jelly is a term used to describe the extracellular matrix located between the myocardium and endocardium during heart development. The word "cardiac" is pronounced /ˈkɑːdiæk/, with the stressed syllable being "di". The word "jelly" is pronounced /ˈdʒɛli/ with the stressed syllable being "jel". Together, the term "cardiac jelly" is pronounced /ˈkɑːdiæk ˈdʒɛli/, with the stressed syllable in "jelly" being emphasized more due to being the second word. It is important to note that correct spelling of medical terms is crucial for clear communication in the healthcare field.
Cardiac jelly is a gel-like substance found during embryonic development, particularly in the early stages of heart formation in vertebrates. It is a noncellular extracellular matrix that plays a vital role in the morphogenesis of the heart.
The cardiac jelly is secreted by the endocardium, which is the innermost layer of the developing heart. It is primarily composed of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and a variety of extracellular matrix proteins. This gel-like substance fills the space between the myocardium (heart muscle) and endocardium, providing a supportive structure and lubrication during the development of the heart.
During heart development, the cardiac jelly contributes to the separation of the heart chambers and the formation of the valves. It provides a cushioning effect, allowing the developing heart to grow and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
Furthermore, the cardiac jelly also regulates the migration, differentiation, and proliferation of cardiac cells. It influences the process of angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels within the heart, which is essential for proper blood supply and oxygenation of the developing organ.
In summary, cardiac jelly is a gel-like substance secreted by the endocardium during heart development. It acts as a supportive matrix, facilitating the morphogenesis of the heart, separation of chambers, formation of valves, and regulating the migration and differentiation of cardiac cells.
The term "cardiac jelly" is derived from the combination of two words: "cardiac" and "jelly".
1. Cardiac: The word "cardiac" is derived from the Greek word "kardia", meaning "heart". It entered the English language through the Latin word "cardiacus", which also referred to the heart. The development of the term can be traced back to ancient Greek and Latin medical literature, where it was used to describe anything related to the heart.
2. Jelly: The word "jelly" comes from the Old English word "gely", which means "gelatinous substance". Its origins can be further traced back to Latin and Greek words related to gelatinous substances. In English, "jelly" refers to a semisolid, gelatinous substance that is typically sweet in taste.