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But on the basis of the cells’ marker-gene expression and location, we would suggest that they are instead endocardial cells that line the heart chamber.

"The risk of an endocardial cushion defect among babies whose mothers did not take decongestants is about 3 per 10,000 live births."

First-trimester use of phenylephrine, which is found in Sudafed among other products, was tied to an eight-fold higher risk of a heart defect called endocardial cushion defect.

The aortic and pulmonary valves are laid down in the ventral aorta, before it is divided into aorta and pulmonary artery, as four endocardial cushions; anterior, posterior and two lateral.

Between the auricle and ventricle is the auriculo-ventricular valve, which primarily consists of two cusps, comparable to the two endocardial cushions of the human embryo, though in some forms they may be subdivided.