Size and position of the heart Flashcards
Where is the human heart situated?
The middle mediastinum
What is the mediastinum?
The space between the lungs
A division of the thoracic cavity
What is contained in the mediastinum?
The heart
The thymus gland
Portions of the oesophagus and trachea
For clinical purposes how is the mediastinum divided?
Anterior
Middle
Posterior
Superior
At what level does the heart sit regarding the vertebrae?
Thoracic vertebrae t5-t8
What is the pericardium?
A double membrane sack
Contains/surrounds the heart
Attaches to the mediastinum
Where does the back surface of the heart lie?
Near the vertical column
When does the front surface of the heart lie?
Sits behind the sternum and rib cartilage
What is the upper part of the heart called?
The base
The base of the heart is attached to several large blood vessels, name them?
The vena cava
The aorta
Pulmonary trunk
Where is the base of the heart located?
Approx the second intercostal space
What is the lower part of the heart (the lower tip) called?
The apex
Where does the apex of the heart lie?
Slightly left of the sternum
8-9 cm from the mid-sternal line
approx the 5th intercostal space
What is the largest part of the heart?
The left side
Why is the left side of the heart the largest?
Because the body has to pump blood around the entire body, and therefore needs to be much stronger/larger
