What structure is known as the skeleton of the heart?

The fibrous skeleton of the heart plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of the heart. It is composed of dense connective tissue and forms a framework that supports the heart's muscle layers, particularly the myocardium. This structure serves several important functions: it provides a stable anchor for the heart valves, ensuring they function properly during the cardiac cycle; it helps maintain the shape of the heart; and it acts as an electrical insulator between the atria and ventricles, allowing for organized and coordinated contractions.

In contrast, other options such as heart valves are primarily functional components that regulate blood flow through the heart but do not provide structural support. The myocardium refers to the muscular layer that contracts to pump blood, while the endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels and does not play a role in the structural support of the heart itself. Understanding the unique roles of these components highlights the importance of the fibrous skeleton as the stabilizing structure in cardiac anatomy.