Mediastinum: The central compartment of the thoracic cavity where the heart is located, surrounded by vital structures and enclosed by the pericardium.
Apex beat: The point of maximal impulse of the heart, located in the left 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line, approximately 9 cm from the midline, and where mitral valve sounds are best heard.
Base of the Heart: The posterior part of the heart opposite the apex, mainly formed by the left atrium, and it receives pulmonary veins, superior vena cava (SVC), and inferior vena cava (IVC).
Superior border of the heart: A line connecting the inferior border of the 2nd left costal cartilage to the superior border of the 3rd right costal cartilage, formed by the atria and auricles.
Right border of the heart: A line from the 3rd right costal cartilage to the 6th right costal cartilage, formed by the right atrium, extending between the SVC and IVC.
Left border of the heart: A line connecting the left ends of the superior and inferior borders, mainly formed by the left ventricle.
1. How does the location of the apex beat differ from the position of the base of the heart?
2. Who is credited with discovering the sinoatrial node as the heart's natural pacemaker?
3. What is the primary function of the chordae tendineae and papillary muscles in heart valve anatomy?
Heart location — mediastinum?
Heart resides in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity.
Apex beat — position?
Located in the left 5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
Base of the Heart — formed by?
Primarily by the left atrium.
Anterior surface — formed by?
Mainly by the right ventricle and atrium.
Diaphragmatic surface — formed by?
Both ventricles resting on the diaphragm.
Right pulmonary surface — mainly?
Formed mainly by the right atrium.
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