The atrial auricles – but why?
March 22, 2009
Our next qustion is from The Kat:
“What is the meaning of the atrial auricles?”
An interesting question! For my less educated readers, the atrial auricles are an anatomical part of the heart, or rather of the two atria, and they look rather like two floppy puppy-ears hanging down towards the ventricles. I have never thought about it before now, but the Kat is right; they do seem pretty pointless? Even worse, somtimes they can be the anatomical equivalent of a dark, dead-end ally, where shifty elements can gather planning mischief… So, readers, let’s put some light on the auricles!
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March 30, 2009 at 10:03 am
Hello.
Information about the left atrial auricle, also known as atrial appendage, can be found in a paper which appeared in the journal Chest a couple of years ago. This is the link to the pdf:
http://www.chestjournal.org/content/124/6/2356.full.pdf
You can find information about embryonic development and suggested physiologic functions.
March 30, 2009 at 10:17 pm
I just read the article and I must say it’s amazing! I had no idea the appendages were that fascinating – they should certainly NOT be considered to be floppy puppy ears… Just read the conclusion:
“Much data, mainly from animal studies, are available, indicating that the elimination of the LAA [left atrial appendage] may impede thirst in the case of hypovolemia, may impair the hemodynamic response to volume or pressure overload, may decrease cardiac output, and may promote heart failure. Also in humans, LAA elimination may have potential adverse effects. Further studies on the hemodynamic and neurohumoral consequences of LAA elimination are required to advance our understanding of LAA physiology and pathophysiology.”
June 5, 2009 at 11:38 am
Wow. Thanks to your blog I am now aware that I have important puppy-ears in my heart. As a Christian that first of all makes me like God more for creating such a fantastic thing as the body, secondly it reminds me about what Paul – the great letter-writer in the New Testament – wrote about the importance of the seemingly humblest parts of the body of Christ. (The believers and their tasks and abilities). I often feel like I’m a pair of hidden doggy-ears which, if at all noticed, mostly know how to cause problems. But those ears might be more important and able than they think they are.
OK, that might have made someone feel uncomfortable, but in short:
I read about the atrial auricles and it cheered me up!
June 9, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Hi again
I just want to point out that puppy ears are the cutest, cuddliest, softest and most adorable things ever created. So to all of you puppy ears out there, be proud of yourselves! And do continue causing problems; if nothing else you haven’t the right to deprive your friends and family of the chance to start to notice you (again) and find you irrestistable and comforting. Go get them!