The Functional Anatomy of Ventricular Contraction

Abstract

Changes in dimensions of the ventricular chambers and the displacement of specific points on the walls of the heart have been studied by the cinefluorographic technic. The contributions of the various myocardial layers to ventricular ejection have been considered in terms of the anatomic architecture of the heart. The mechanical effectiveness of myocardial contraction is closely related to the degree of diastolic distension and the magnitude of the stroke volume. During contraction, the various layers must exert tension on the connections between them. Energy expended in this manner does not contribute to ventricular ejection but could theoretically promote rapid filling during the early diastolic period.