The Heart

Question 1

What is the position of:

1. The top left corner of the heart
2. The bottom left corner of the heart (apex)
3. The top right corner of the heart
4. The bottom right corner of the heart

Answer 1

1. 2nd intercostal space
2. 5th intercostal space (midclavicular line)
3. 3rd costal cartilage
4. 6th costal cartilage

Question 2

What is the fossa ovalis?

Answer 2

A small depression in the right atrium- in the foetus= foreamen ovale (bypass the lungs)

Question 3

What is the ligamentum arteriosum?

Answer 3

Ligament between the aorta and pulmonary artery- in foetus = ductus arteriosus (bypass the lungs)

Question 4

What are the chordinae tendinae and the papillary muscles?

Answer 4

Chordinae tendinae tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid and mitral valves. Prevents prolapse of the valves during ventricular systole

Question 5

What are trabeculae carneae?

Answer 5

Irregular muscular columns which project from the inner surfaces of the ventricles- prevents suction

Question 6

What is left and right dominance?

Answer 6

In right dominance (70% of individuals) the posterior inter-ventricular artery arises from the right coronary artery
In left dominance (10%) it arises from the left circumflex artery

Question 7

What runs immediately behind the left atrium?

Answer 7

The oesophagus