The Cardiovascular System

Embryogenesis of the cardiovascular system and the heart in particular (cardiogenesis) has expanded in recent years as new techniques and markers have been introduced. The study of early development of the heart in a variety of species, including vertebrates, shows similarities to the morphological development of the heart in man. The important role of genes and/or gene families, in controlling cell differentiation, behaviour and interaction and thus morphological events, is becoming more obvious. Moreover, animal models and genetic manipulation have made it possible to better understand the roles of such factors in cardiovascular malformations.