Morphology/Structure
The trabeculae carneae are irregular muscular columns that form mesh-like projections of the inner surface of the ventricles. These are not to be confused with the pectinate muscles, which are the muscular ridges in the atria.
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The trabeculae carneae are highly varied in appearance but are deeper and more complex within the left ventricle. The inflow tract and areas surrounding the right atrioventricular valve, outflow tract, and pulmonary valve are smooth walled and do not contain trabeculae carneae.
Function
The trabeculae carneae is likely aid in the flow of blood by preventing the suction that would occur if the internal surfaces of the ventricular wall were smooth.
