The pericardium derives its name from the Greek term peri, meaning “around,” and kardia, meaning “heart.” It is composed of two layers. The inner layer (visceral pericardium) consists of a single layer of mesothelial cells, collagen, and elastin fibers separated…
Introduction The so-called Rathke diagram, showing six pairs of arteries encircling the tracheoesophageal pedicle, is still frequently used to provide an understanding of the morphogenesis of abnormalities of the brachiocephalic arteries in human patients with congenitally malformed hearts ( Fig.…
Introduction This chapter deals with abnormalities of position and connection of the major systemic venous channels that drain to the heart. We also discuss abnormal persistence of the valves of the embryonic systemic venous sinus. The anomalies included vary widely,…