Which components contribute to the formation of the interventricular septum of the heart?
A Muscular and membranous septum
B Atrial and membranous septum
C Muscular septum and fibrous skeleton
D Fibrous skeleton and membranous septum
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
The interventricular septum of the heart is a crucial structure that separates the right and left ventricles, ensuring proper separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood within the heart chambers.
It is composed of two main parts:
1. Muscular septum: This forms the majority of the interventricular septum. It is thick and made up of myocardial tissue. This portion grows upward from the apex of the heart during development.
2. Membranous septum: This is a small, thin portion located near the base of the heart, close to the atrioventricular valves. Despite its small size, it is clinically significant because it is a common site for congenital ventricular septal defects.
Other components such as the atrial septum play a role in separating the atria, not the ventricles. The fibrous skeleton provides structural support and electrical insulation but is not a direct part of the interventricular septum.
Therefore, the correct components that contribute to the interventricular septum are the muscular and membranous septa.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 41st Edition, Cardiovascular System, Chapter 3, Page 150