Evolution of coronary arteries. (IMAGE)
Caption
In non-amniotes, like fish, the arteries supplying oxygen to the heart originate directly from the gills. In amniotes, such as mice, these vessels, known as aortic subepicardial vessels (ASVs), undergo reorganization during development to form novel coronary arteries that branch near the heart. This evolutionary change is likely linked to the loss of gills during the transition to a terrestrial lifestyle.
Credit
2023, H. Higashiyama
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CC BY-ND