Cartilago cordis in serpents.

BACKGROUND

The cartilago cordis, a cartilaginous element present within the heart, has been found in a number of vertebrates. The present study provides a detailed description and comparative analysis of the cartilago cordis in snakes.

METHODS

Transverse sections through the hearts of 42 snakes and three monitor lizards were examined.

RESULTS

A cartilago cordis was found near the roots of the aortic trunk and pulmonary artery in eleven species of snakes. There is substantial variation in the size, shape, and precise location of the cartilago cordis.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a cartilago cordis does not correlate with body size, taxonomic relationships, or habitat preference. The cartilago cordis may simply represent an illustration of the potential for chondrification that is present in the connective tissue of the aorticopulmonary septum.