The development of coronary vascularization

The coronary vascular system is a complex network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that supports myocardial performance, a topic previously reviewed by other authors. Disruption of coronary blood vessel form and/or function can underlie severe congenital and acquired cardiovascular conditions, from myocardial infarction to sudden death. Coronary blood vessels are an evolutionary innovation of vertebrates and form from multiple cell sources. Accordingly, the developmental complexity of coronary vessel morphogenesis is likely to reflect evolutionary constraints, as well as to explain the origins of coronary congenital anomalies (CCAs). In this chapter we summarize the current knowledge on coronary vascular development and identify the essential mechanistic cellular and molecular components of coronary morphogenesis. We will also provide plausible developmental explanations for some relevant CCAs.