In an article from Daily Mail, researchers from the University of Nottingham have discovered a tiny, rare bone in front of a chimpanzee's heart using a micro-computed tomography scan. According to the authors of the study, the presence of the bone could be linked to heart disease. Additionally, they say it could also be found in some humans.
According to Catrin Rutland, a geneticist and study author from Nottingham University, the team's discovery of the bone leads to wonders as to whether some people could have an os cordis as well.
Some animals like cows, sheep, dogs, camels, and otters have been known to have this bone, but researchers say it is the first time to be seen in chimps.
The researchers explained that the predominance of the os cordis in species could vary, with the bone sometimes present in almost all individuals. At the same time, in other cases, it is being associated with heart disease.
Furthermore, the use of the micro-CT scan allowed the team to scan the chimpanzee's hearts at a much higher magnification than would be attainable with a standard hospital or veterinary CT scans.
The findings of the study were published in the journal Scientific Reports on June 10, 2020.
What Is the Function of Os Cordis?
The os cordis is composed of fibrous connective tissue, small foci, and pieces of hyaline cartilage. It measures mere millimeters in length.
The researchers say that it remains unclear what function the bone serves in chimpanzees. However, the team believes that the cartilage found along the bone side could provide clues.
Experts say that the bone may support fundamental heart valves, develop because of heart disease, or change the electrical system, which commands the heart.
Since Classical times, it has been known to be present in deer and oxen. It was even thought to have medicinal properties and mystical properties. It is occasionally observed in goats, but also in other animals such as otters.
Not much is currently known about the small structure fronting the heart. The authors believe more study needs to be conducted to fully understand what the os cordis means in some species and what exactly it is for.
What is Myocardial Fibrosis?
The researchers discovered that the tiny bones were more likely to be seen in chimps with a kind of heart disease called 'idiopathic myocardial fibrosis.' Furthermore, the condition is also known to affect people.
According to a study published in the journal BMJ, the definition of myocardial fibrosis is that it is a common final pathway in chronic myocardial disease. Additionally, its structure is usually correlated to heart failure.
The condition is the most common type of heart disease found in chimpanzees. Moreover, it has also been connected to critically irregular heartbeats and sudden death.
The researchers hope that their discovery may lead to medical progression that could help protect wild chimpanzees, which are endangered and withered by heart disease. Sophie Moittié, another author of the Nottingham University, concludes that understanding what happens to the chimps' hearts could help manage their health.
