Cardio Vascular system
Basic anatomy of Heart
Heart
The heart is a hollow muscular organ that is somewhat pyramid shaped.
Lies within the pericardium in the mediastinum.
Is connected at its base to the great blood vessels but otherwise lies free within the
pericardium.
, Location of heart
Heart lies in the thoracic cavity in the mediastinum between the lungs.
Lies indirectly, a little more to the left than the right.
Presents a base above, and an apex below.
Apex is about 9 cm to the left of the midline at the level of the 5th intercostal space. (i.e.
a little below the nipple and slightly nearer the midline.) The base extends to the level of
the 2nd rib.
Organs associated with the heart
Inferiorly — the apex rests on the central tendon of the diaphragm.
Superiorly — the great blood vessels, i.e. the aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary
artery and pulmonary veins.
Posteriorly — the oesophagus, trachea, left and right bronchus, descending aorta,
inferior vena cava and thoracic verterbae.
Anteriorly — the sternum, ribs and intercostal muscles
Laterally — the lungs — the left lung overlaps the left side of the heart
Basic anatomy of Heart
Heart
The heart is a hollow muscular organ that is somewhat pyramid shaped.
Lies within the pericardium in the mediastinum.
Is connected at its base to the great blood vessels but otherwise lies free within the
pericardium.
, Location of heart
Heart lies in the thoracic cavity in the mediastinum between the lungs.
Lies indirectly, a little more to the left than the right.
Presents a base above, and an apex below.
Apex is about 9 cm to the left of the midline at the level of the 5th intercostal space. (i.e.
a little below the nipple and slightly nearer the midline.) The base extends to the level of
the 2nd rib.
Organs associated with the heart
Inferiorly — the apex rests on the central tendon of the diaphragm.
Superiorly — the great blood vessels, i.e. the aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary
artery and pulmonary veins.
Posteriorly — the oesophagus, trachea, left and right bronchus, descending aorta,
inferior vena cava and thoracic verterbae.
Anteriorly — the sternum, ribs and intercostal muscles
Laterally — the lungs — the left lung overlaps the left side of the heart
