Describe the sequential stages of fetal and cardiac development, including formation of the germ layers, primitive heart tube, and major cardiac structures.

Explain the embryologic origins of cardiovascular structures by relating the contributions of the mesoderm, endocardial cushion tissue, conal tissue, and aortic arch derivatives to normal heart development.

Differentiate normal cardiac morphogenesis from developmental abnormalities by comparing dextral looping and levo-looping, normal septation processes, and common developmental defects that arise from errors in these processes.

Analyze the formation of the atrial septum, ventricular septum, truncal septum, and aortic arch system to determine how disruptions in development can result in specific congenital heart defects.

Evaluate embryologic mechanisms underlying congenital cardiovascular anomalies, including atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, atrioventricular canal defects, coarctation of the aorta, interrupted aortic arch, and patent ductus arteriosus.