Cross Sectional Anatomy and Apical Views of the Heart

Flashcards covering cardiac wall segmentation, acoustic windows, and the anatomy and maneuvers associated with standard Apical echocardiographic views.

Acoustic Windows

Standard positions for transducer placement, including Parasternal, Apical, Subcostal, and Suprasternal.

Scanning Planes

The specific imaging planes used in echocardiography: Long axis (PLAX views), Short axis (PSAX views), and Apical plane (Apical window).

Left Ventricular (LV) Segmentation

A disciplined approach dividing the LV into $16$ or $17$ segments (ASE standards) to assess motion and thickening independently.

LV Basal Region

The area of the left ventricle extending from the mitral annulus to the tips of the papillary muscles, containing $6$ segments.

LV Mid-cavity Region

The region of the left ventricle that includes the entire length of the papillary muscles, containing $6$ segments.

LV Apical Region

The area of the left ventricle beyond the papillary muscles to just before the cavity ends, containing $4$ segments.

Apical Cap

The segment located at the very tip of the left ventricular cavity beyond the apical region.

Right Ventricular (RV) Segmentation

The division of the right ventricular walls into $5$ segments according to ASE guidelines.

Wall Motion Assessment Criteria

Evaluation based on wall thickening, inward wall incursion, and the decrease in chamber size during the cardiac cycle.

Anteroseptal Wall

The standard nomenclature for the segment formerly referred to as the anterior septum.

Inferolateral Wall

The standard nomenclature for the segment formerly referred to as the posterior or inferior lateral wall.

Moderator Band

A muscular trabeculation in the right ventricular apex connecting the interventricular septum to the anterior papillary muscle; it serves as a primary conduction path from the right bundle branch.

Apical Window Location

Positioned lateral and inferior on the chest wall, typically at the $5^{th}$ or $6^{th}$ intercostal space along the midaxillary line.

Apical 4 Chamber View

A view visualizing all four chambers, the interventricular septum, interatrial septum, Mitral Valve, and Tricuspid Valve (which is more apically displaced).

Apical 5 Chamber View

An echo view obtained by angling the transducer anteriorly from the 4-chamber view to visualize the LVOT, aortic root, and aortic valve.

Apical 2 Chamber View

A view obtained by rotating the transducer counterclockwise from the 4-chamber view until only left-sided structures (LA, LAA, MV, and LV anterior/inferior walls) are visible.

Apical 3 Chamber View (Long Axis)

A view obtained by further counterclockwise rotation from the 2-chamber view, visualizing the LVOT, AV (right and non-coronary cusps), and LV inferolateral/anteroseptal walls.

Pulmonary Vein Visualization

In the Apical 4-chamber view, at least two pulmonary veins should be seen: one right superior and one left.

Coronary Sinus Location

Located at the inferior aspect of the mitral annulus, visible in the Apical 2-chamber and 3-chamber views.