The heart muscle is the myocardium or middle layer of the heart walls. The myocardium is responsible for the contractile function of the cardiac pump. Composed of cardiomyocytes, the heart muscle has distinctive cellular and physiological features, allowing it to generate force to maintain adequate tissue and organ perfusion throughout the body. The heart muscle is one of the earliest functioning embryonic organs, and it continues to contract and beat throughout a person's lifetime. Supplied by a complex system of coronary vasculature, cardiac lymphatics, and autonomic innervation, cardiomyocytes form the thickest layer of every heart chamber.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. A vast number of these diseases involve the heart muscle with diverse pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to contractile dysfunction, cell damage and death, and cardiac pump failure. However, numerous interventions, treatment options, and therapies are aimed at minimizing damage, restoring functionality, preventing the occurrence, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Understanding heart muscle anatomy and function is crucial in managing various cardiovascular conditions.
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