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'''Foramen of Panizza'''


The '''Foramen of Panizza''' is a physiological structure found in the heart of animals belonging to the order Crocodylia, which includes crocodiles, alligators, and gharials. This anatomical feature is a hole that connects the left and right aorta as they leave the heart.
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name        = Foramen of Panizza
| Latin        =
| Image        =
| Caption      =
| System      = Circulatory system
| Artery      =
| Vein        =
| Nerve        =
| Lymph        =
}}


== Anatomy ==
The '''Foramen of Panizza''' is a unique anatomical feature found in the hearts of [[crocodilians]], including [[crocodiles]], [[alligators]], and [[caimans]]. It is a small opening that connects the left and right [[aorta]]e as they leave the heart. This foramen is named after the Italian anatomist [[Bartolomeo Panizza]], who first described it.
 
The Foramen of Panizza is located between the left and right aorta before these vessels exit the [[heart]]. It allows blood from the right aorta to flow into the left aorta. This anatomical feature is unique to the [[Crocodylia]] order.
 
[[File:Crocodylia heart anatomy.png|thumb|Anatomical diagram of a crocodile's heart, showing the Foramen of Panizza]]


== Function ==
== Function ==
The Foramen of Panizza plays a crucial role in the [[circulatory system]] of crocodilians. It allows for the mixing of [[oxygenated blood]] from the left aorta with [[deoxygenated blood]] from the right aorta. This mixing is particularly important when the animal is submerged and not breathing air, as it helps to optimize the use of available oxygen.


The primary function of the Foramen of Panizza is to allow for the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This is contrary to the separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood seen in the hearts of mammals and birds. The ability to mix blood allows crocodiles to stay submerged underwater for extended periods.
During diving, the Foramen of Panizza enables the [[right-to-left shunt]], which directs more blood to the [[systemic circulation]] and less to the [[pulmonary circulation]]. This adaptation is beneficial for conserving oxygen and maintaining efficient circulation while the animal is underwater.
 
== Clinical significance ==


While the Foramen of Panizza is a normal part of crocodilian anatomy, a similar structure in human hearts, known as a [[patent foramen ovale]], is considered a heart defect. This condition allows blood to bypass the lungs, leading to lower oxygen levels in the blood.
== Anatomical Details ==
The Foramen of Panizza is located at the base of the [[heart]], between the left and right aortae. It is a small, valve-like structure that can open and close to regulate the flow of blood between the two aortae. This regulation is controlled by the [[autonomic nervous system]], which adjusts the blood flow based on the animal's activity and environmental conditions.


== See also ==
== Evolutionary Significance ==
The presence of the Foramen of Panizza is considered an evolutionary adaptation that allows crocodilians to thrive in aquatic environments. It is a key feature that distinguishes their cardiovascular system from that of other [[reptiles]] and [[vertebrates]].


* [[Heart]]
== See Also ==
* [[Crocodylia]]
* [[Crocodilian cardiovascular system]]
* [[Patent foramen ovale]]
* [[Heart anatomy]]
* [[Reptile physiology]]


== References ==
== References ==
* Panizza, B. (1833). ''Osservazioni sul cuore e sulla circolazione del sangue in alcuni animali vertebrati''.
* Grigg, G., & Gans, C. (1993). ''Morphology and Physiology of the Crocodilian Cardiovascular System''.


<references />
{{Anatomy-stub}}


[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Crocodylia]]
[[Category:Cardiovascular system]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[Category:Crocodilians]]
 
[[Category:Reptile anatomy]]
{{anatomy-stub}}

Latest revision as of 04:37, 29 December 2024


General Information
Latin
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System Circulatory system
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes


The Foramen of Panizza is a unique anatomical feature found in the hearts of crocodilians, including crocodiles, alligators, and caimans. It is a small opening that connects the left and right aortae as they leave the heart. This foramen is named after the Italian anatomist Bartolomeo Panizza, who first described it.

Function[edit]

The Foramen of Panizza plays a crucial role in the circulatory system of crocodilians. It allows for the mixing of oxygenated blood from the left aorta with deoxygenated blood from the right aorta. This mixing is particularly important when the animal is submerged and not breathing air, as it helps to optimize the use of available oxygen.

During diving, the Foramen of Panizza enables the right-to-left shunt, which directs more blood to the systemic circulation and less to the pulmonary circulation. This adaptation is beneficial for conserving oxygen and maintaining efficient circulation while the animal is underwater.

Anatomical Details[edit]

The Foramen of Panizza is located at the base of the heart, between the left and right aortae. It is a small, valve-like structure that can open and close to regulate the flow of blood between the two aortae. This regulation is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which adjusts the blood flow based on the animal's activity and environmental conditions.

Evolutionary Significance[edit]

The presence of the Foramen of Panizza is considered an evolutionary adaptation that allows crocodilians to thrive in aquatic environments. It is a key feature that distinguishes their cardiovascular system from that of other reptiles and vertebrates.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  • Panizza, B. (1833). Osservazioni sul cuore e sulla circolazione del sangue in alcuni animali vertebrati.
  • Grigg, G., & Gans, C. (1993). Morphology and Physiology of the Crocodilian Cardiovascular System.
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