Histological evaluation of structures similar to the cartilago cordis in the rat heart: A case report
Ege Tıp Dergisi, cilt.65, sa.2, ss.336-339, 2026 (TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Vaka Takdimi
- Cilt numarası: 65 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.19161/etd.1841533
- Dergi Adı: Ege Tıp Dergisi
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.336-339
- Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Ossa cordis is a structure identified in cattle as a component of the cardiac skeleton, whereas in other mammalian species this structure is referred to as cartilago cordis; however, information regarding the presence of cartilago cordis in small mammals, particularly rodents, remains limited. This study reports incidentially observed cartilage-like structures in heart of a Wistar albino and examines their morphological and histological features. Hematoxylin–eosin staining revealed collagen-rich compact areas with cartilage-like matrix, localized near the atrioventricular ring and valve attechment sites, regions exposed to mechanical stress. Although cartilage is not a normal cardiac component, active, cell-mediated calcification processes including differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondroblasts, cartilage matrix production, and endochondral ossification are recognized in the cardiovascular system. The presence of chondrocyte-like cells, type II and X collagen, and osteogenic proteins in calcified valves supports an osteogenic phenotype in cardiac tissue, suggesting a similar process may occur in rats. These findings imply that cartilago cordis may function as an adaptive structure, contributing to mechanical support, load redistribution, or modulation of conduction–contraction dynamics. In conclusion, this study identifies hyaline cartilage-like formations resembling cartilago cordis in the rat heart, providing a novel perspective on interspecies anatomical variation and cardiac mineralization, and highlighting the potential universality and biological significance of heterotopic cartilage and bone formation in the heart.