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Review
. 2017 Dec;231(6):787-797.
doi: 10.1111/joa.12687. Epub 2017 Sep 14.

The vertebrate heart: an evolutionary perspective

Andrea Stephenson  1 , Justin W Adams  2 , Mauro Vaccarezza  1
Affiliations
Review

The vertebrate heart: an evolutionary perspective

Andrea Stephenson et al. J Anat. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Convergence is the tendency of independent species to evolve similarly when subjected to the same environmental conditions. The primitive blueprint for the circulatory system emerged around 700-600 Mya and exhibits diverse physiological adaptations across the radiations of vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata, Phylum Chordata). It has evolved from the early chordate circulatory system with a single layered tube in the tunicate (Subphylum Urchordata) or an amphioxus (Subphylum Cephalochordata), to a vertebrate circulatory system with a two-chambered heart made up of one atrium and one ventricle in gnathostome fish (Infraphylum Gnathostomata), to a system with a three-chambered heart made up of two atria which maybe partially divided or completely separated in amphibian tetrapods (Class Amphibia). Subsequent tetrapods, including crocodiles and alligators (Order Crocodylia, Subclass Crocodylomorpha, Class Reptilia), birds (Subclass Aves, Class Reptilia) and mammals (Class Mammalia) evolved a four-chambered heart. The structure and function of the circulatory system of each individual holds a vital role which benefits each species specifically. The special characteristics of the four-chamber mammalian heart are highlighted by the peculiar structure of the myocardial muscle.

Keywords: circulatory system; comparative anatomy; evolution; heart; vertebrate.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ventral schematic of prevertebral tubular heart. Blood flow is indicated by red arrows (adapted from Holmes, 1975).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Simplified view of the relationship between the main ‘systemic (or brachial)’ heart and the three accessory hearts of the hagfish (adapted from Jensen, 1965 and Jorgensen et al. 1998).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Simplified evolution of the heart shape and chambers.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Diastole and systole in a non‐reptile heart. Red arrows indicate oxygen‐rich blood, blue arrows indicate oxygen‐poor blood. Abbreviations explained in the key (adapted from Holmes, 1975 and Bettex et al. 2014).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Blood shunting in a non‐crocodilian reptile heart. Red arrows indicate oxygen‐rich blood, blue arrows indicate oxygen‐poor blood. Muscular ridge and valves not shown. Abbreviations explained in the key (adapted from Bettex et al. 2014 and Holmes, 1975).
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