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vierkamerig

Vierkamerig is a term used in anatomy and zoology to describe structures that consist of four chambers. In cardiovascular context, a vierkamerig heart is divided into two atria and two ventricles, with complete separation between the pulmonary and systemic circulations. The name derives from the Dutch words vier (four) and kamerig (chambered).

Anatomy and function

A vierkamerig heart has a left and right atrium that receive blood from the body and lungs,

Evolution and distribution

Four-chambered hearts are most prominently associated with mammals and birds, where complete separation of pulmonary and

See also

Cardiovascular system; Comparative anatomy; Heart chamber terminology.

and
a
left
and
right
ventricle
that
pump
blood
to
the
systemic
and
pulmonary
circuits
respectively.
The
chambers
are
separated
by
atrioventricular
and
semilunar
valves
and
by
a
ventricular
and
atrial
septum,
which
minimizes
blood
mixing.
In
mammals
and
birds,
this
arrangement
enables
high-pressure
systemic
circulation
and
efficient
oxygen
delivery,
supporting
active
metabolism
and
endothermy.
In
other
vertebrates,
the
degree
of
separation
and
the
presence
of
shunts
can
vary.
systemic
circulation
is
a
hallmark
of
their
physiology.
Some
reptiles,
notably
crocodilians,
also
possess
a
fully
developed
four-chambered
heart,
but
with
the
Foramen
of
Panizza
allowing
controlled
blood
flow
between
the
two
halves
under
certain
conditions.
The
emergence
of
a
four-chambered
heart
has
been
interpreted
as
a
case
of
convergent
evolution
in
different
vertebrate
lineages,
aligning
with
different
ecological
and
metabolic
demands.