What is the relevant clinical anatomy of the heart? Flashcards
Where do the phrenic nerves descend across?
The lateral borders of the pericardium
What is it called if the pericardial cavity fills with blood?
Haemopericardium
Anterior surface of the heart is covered by invisible layer of ———-
epicardium
What does the epicardium secrete?
Pericardial fluid lubricant
Where is the pericardial cavity?
between the two layers of the pericardial cavity
How is pericardiocentesis performed?
Needle is inserted via infrasternal angle and directed superoposteriorly, aspirating continuously
What is the transverse pericardial sinus?
a “space” within the pericardial cavity, posterosuperiorly
Where does the transverse pericardial sinus lie?
lies posterior to the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk
What are the three clinically important surfaces of the heart?
anterior (sternocostal) surface
base (posterior) surface
inferior (diaphragmatic) surface
What are the two clinically important borders of the heart?
right border
left (lateral) border
What is the function of the coronary sinus?
short venous conduit which receives deoxygenated blood from most of the cardiac veins and drains into the right atrium
How does the pump ensure unidirectional flow?
Unidirectional valves
- pulmonary valves
- tricuspid valve
- aortic valve
- mitral (bicuspid valve)
Describe the pulmonary valve?
has anterior right & left cusps
Describe the aortic valve?
has right, left & posterior cusps and sinuses (spaces within cusps)
describe the tricuspid valve?
has anterior, posterior & septal cusps
