Conus arteriosus: an anatomic and terminologic evaluation

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomy and terminology for the conus arteriosus, thereby revealing possible differences among various sources of this information. Methods: Twenty-four textbooks, nine anatomy atlases, and six original articles related to terminology were examined. The term “conus arteriosus,” first used in Terminologia Anatomica, published in 1998, was also evaluated. Results: Conus arteriosus is a part of the right ventricle (ventriculus dexter). Physicians refer to this structure as the ‘infundibulum’. Taking into account the three-dimensional aspect of the right ventricle, its outer surface is considered to be the conus arteriosus. This structure is supplied by branches of the right and left coronary arteries which are called the conus arteries. Thus, utilization of the term “conus artery” supports the aforementioned suggestion. Conclusion: In case the term “conus arteriosus” falls out of preference for this structure as a whole, the nomenclature used for this structure in anatomy atlases must be corrected. This point is of importance for instructors and students.