Morphology/Structure
The trabeculae carneae are irregular muscular columns, which form mesh-like projections from the inner surface of the right and left ventricles of the heart. These are not to be confused with the pectinate muscles, which are the muscular ridges in the atria.
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The trabeculae carneae are highly varied in appearance but are deeper and more complex within the left ventricle and are most prominent at the apex. The outflow tract, around the aortic valve are smooth walled and do not contain trabeculae carneae.
Function
The trabeculae carneae likely aid in blood flow by preventing the suction that would occur if the internal surfaces of the ventricular wall were smooth.
List of Clinical Correlates
- Left ventricular noncompaction
