Cardiac Anatomy

Question 1

when looking at the chest/heart on radiographs, what are you looking for?

Answer 1

Heart –
Cardiac size, Pulmonary vessels

Mediastinum –
Hilar structures, Position of trachea, Aortic arch

The width of the adult heart should be < half the greatest thoracic diameter, measured from inside the rib cage at its widest point near the level of the diaphragm

Question 2

Heart Valve Sounds

Answer 2

APTM
Aortic Semilunar Valve – Intercostal space 2, right of sternum
Pulmonary Semilunar Valve – Intercostal space 2, left of sternum
Tricuspid Valve – just lateral to body of sternum @ below rib 5
Mitral Valve – apex of heart at intercostal space 5

All Patients Take Meds

Question 3

layers of the pericardium

Answer 3

‐ Pericardium has three layers:

1. Visceral layer of serous pericardium
2. Parietal layer of serous pericardium
3. Fibrous pericardium ‐ thick connective tissue layer (Phrenic n. ‐ travel lateral to fibrous pericardium as they descend thru mediastinum)

Question 4

location of the pericardial cavity

Answer 4

Pericardial cavity is between visceral and parietal serous pericardium

Question 5

transverse and oblique sinuses

Answer 5

‐ Transverse sinus –> open sac and runs btwn great arteries and pulmonary veins; of surgical importance
‐ Oblique sinus –> recess of pericardial cavity ends in cul‐de‐ sac surrounded by the pulmonary veins