Researchers Find Our Inner Reptile Hearts

ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2012) — The genetic building blocks behind the human heart's subtle control system have finally been identified.

An elaborate system of leads spreads across our hearts. These leads -- the heart's electrical system -- control our pulse and coordinate contraction of the heart chambers. While the structure of the human heart has been known for a long time, the evolutionary origin of our conduction system has nevertheless remained a mystery. Researchers have finally succeeded in showing that the spongy tissue in reptile hearts is the forerunner of the complex hearts of both birds and mammals. The new knowledge provides a deeper understanding of the complex conductive tissue of the human heart, which is of key importance in many heart conditions.

Read on:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120914132034.htm