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Crista terminalis

Anatomical feature of the heart

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Anatomy

The crista terminalis generally takes the form of a smooth-surfaced, crescent-shaped thickened portion of heart muscle at the opening into the right atrial appendage. It consists of fibromuscular tissue.

Features

On the external aspect of the right atrium, corresponding to the crista terminalis, is a groove - the terminal sulcus.

The crista terminalis provides the origin for the pectinate muscles.

The sinoatrial node is located in the superior part of the crista terminalis at the junction of the right atrium, and superior vena cava.

Development

During the development of the human heart, the right horn and transverse portion of the sinus venosus ultimately become incorporated with and form a part of the adult right atrium. The right sinus horn of the sinus venosus develops into the sinus venarum; in the adult right atrium, the portion of right atrium derived from the sinus venosus has a smooth inner surface.

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