3a - Heart Structure and Function

Question 1

What is the Coronary Sulcus?

Answer 1

A pipeline between the atrium and the ventricles. Present on the left and right sides. Holds the right and left coronary arteries.

Question 2

Describe the Mediastinum.

Answer 2

The mediastinum is the space between the lungs.
There are three regions:
a) Anterior - Not much material
b) Middle - Has the heart
c) Posterior - Has the vessels

Question 3

Describe the pericardium.

Answer 3

The pericardium covers the heart to prevent friction on the heart.
It is composed of two layers: the Visceral and Parietal.
Parietal layer is composed of two layers, the fibrous layer that attaches to the surrounding (vessels, lungs, diaphragm) and the serous layer that secretes lubricant into the pericardial cavity, which lies between the serous layer and the visceral layer.
The visceral layer attaches directly onto the heart and secretes lubricant as well. It is continuous with the serous layer.

Question 4

Cardiac Tamponade:

a) What is it?
b) What is it caused by?
c) How is it treated?

Answer 4

a) Build-up of fluid in the pericardial cavity.
b) It is caused by edema or trauma to the heart.
c) Treated by draining the fluid followed by treating the cause (antibiotics if caused by infection, etc)

Question 5

Name the valves of the heart and what type of valve they are.

Answer 5

1: Right atrioventricular - tricuspid
2: Pulmonary - semilunar
3: Left atrioventricular (mitral) - bicuspid
4: Aortic - semilunar

Question 6

Describe the internal anatomy of the atria.

Answer 6

The right atrium has two parts: a smooth posterior wall and rough anterior wall with pectinate muscles. These parts are separated by the Crista Terminalis.
The fossa ovalis is a membrane in the interatrial wall that is a remnant of the foramen ovale.

The left atrium only has pectinate muscles lining the auricle - the rest is smooth.