Septum membranaceum ventriculorum, also known as the membranous septum of the ventricles, is a term used in anatomy to describe a partition or dividing wall consisting of a thin, flexible membrane that separates the four chambers of the heart. This membranous septum is primarily composed of fibrous connective tissue and forms a crucial barrier between the left and right ventricles.
The septum membranaceum ventriculorum starts from the base of the aortic valve, extends downward, and attaches to the ventricular walls. Its main function is to ensure the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart, preventing their mix, and facilitating proper circulation.
Furthermore, the septum membranaceum ventriculorum plays an essential role in the heart's electrical conduction system. It contains a small bundle of specialized cells called the atrioventricular bundle or the Bundle of His, which conducts electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles, thereby synchronizing the heart's contractions.
In certain medical conditions, abnormalities or defects may occur in the septum membranaceum ventriculorum. These can include septal defects, such as ventricular septal defects or atrial septal defects, where there is an opening or hole in the membrane, leading to abnormal blood flow between the chambers. Such defects can result in symptoms such as cyanosis, shortness of breath, and susceptibility to infections.
Overall, the septum membranaceum ventriculorum is a vital component of the heart's structure and function, ensuring the efficient separation of blood and coordinated contractions of the ventricles.
