The fibrous skeleton is a framework of dense collagen at the base of the heart. It consists of four fibrous rings around the valves, joined by the right and left fibrous trigones and the membranous part of the interventricular septum. It is the scaffold to which the valves and heart muscle attach.
| Location | Base of the ventricles, in the plane between the atria and ventricles, surrounding the four valve openings. |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
Keeps the valve openings in shape, anchors the leaflets and muscle fibres, and electrically insulates the atria from the ventricles so that impulses can only pass through the AV node and bundle of His.
Extra muscular connections that cross the fibrous skeleton (accessory pathways) let impulses bypass the AV node, as in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Calcification of the mitral annulus is common in older adults and can affect valve function and conduction. Surgeons anchor replacement valves to the fibrous rings.
An accessory pathway across the fibrous skeleton that causes pre-excitation and episodes of fast heart rhythm. It is usually cured by catheter ablation.
Calcium deposits in the mitral ring, common with age and kidney disease. It can cause valve narrowing or leakage and conduction problems.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
