Muscle
Trabeculae carneae
Ventricular ridges and bridges of working muscle
High-yield
Distinguish free muscular bridges from chordae-bearing papillary muscles and from the smoother ventricular outflow regions. Normal trabeculation varies between people.
Overview
The ventricular inner surface is not uniformly smooth. Muscular ridges and bridges project into both cavities, with a generally coarser pattern on the right. Papillary muscles are related projections that connect to valve leaflets through chordae.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Muscular projections from the inner ventricular walls
- Insertion
- Ridges remain attached along the wall, bridges join it at both ends, and papillary projections continue to valve leaflets through chordae
- Innervation
- Cardiac autonomic networks modulate the surrounding myocardium
- Action
- Contract with ventricular myocardium; papillary projections help restrain atrioventricular leaflets through chordae
- Blood supply
- Coronary branches supplying the corresponding ventricular regions
Clinical correlation
Prominent trabeculation can be a normal finding as well as accompany disease. Its appearance alone does not establish cardiomyopathy; ventricular function, other structural findings and clinical context matter.
Frequently asked questions
What do the trabeculae carneae do?
Contract with ventricular myocardium; papillary projections help restrain atrioventricular leaflets through chordae.
What nerve innervates the trabeculae carneae?
The trabeculae carneae are innervated by the cardiac autonomic networks modulate the surrounding myocardium.
Where do the trabeculae carneae attach?
Origin: Muscular projections from the inner ventricular walls. Insertion: Ridges remain attached along the wall, bridges join it at both ends, and papillary projections continue to valve leaflets through chordae.
What is the blood supply of the trabeculae carneae?
The trabeculae carneae are supplied by the coronary branches supplying the corresponding ventricular regions.