Abstract

Ranging from congenital malformations and inherited deficiencies to acquired diseases and neoplastic processes, the field of cardiac pathology is broad and encompasses a wealth of information. One must first consider the development and structure of the heart to appreciate the relevance and etiology of the pathological processes affecting it. To this end, we will provide a brief summation of the embryological development and normal anatomy of the heart. Disease processes affecting the heart globally and its components specifically will then be discussed.