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Heart Gross Anatomy

Heart Gross Anatomy

  • The heart is a muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity between the lungs. It pumps blood throughout the body.

  • It consists of four chambers: the left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle, and right ventricle, each crucial for circulation.

  • The heart is divided into two sides: the right pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs, while the left pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.

  • Major blood vessels associated with the heart include the aorta, pulmonary arteries, and veins.

Position of the Heart in the Thoracic Cavity

  • Heart's location relative to other anatomical structures:

    • Sternum: anterior to the heart

    • Rib: starts at rib 3, indicating its superior protection

    • Diaphragm: inferior border of the thoracic cavity, separating heart from abdominal organs

Position, Size, and Shape of the Heart

  • Located in the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.

  • Shape of the Heart:

    • Base: wide superior portion where large vessels attach.

    • Apex: tapered inferior end that tilts left.

  • Size of Heart:

    • Adult heart weighs approximately 10 ounces.

    • Dimensions: 3.5 inches wide at base, 5 inches from base to apex.

    • Generally comparable to the size of a fist.

The Pericardium and Heart Wall

  • Outer layer (stratum) protecting the heart, attending to its various functions.

  • Middle layer (myocardium) composed of cardiac muscle tissue responsible for the heart's contractions.

  • Inner layer (endocardium) lining the heart chambers and valves, providing a smooth surface for blood flow.

The Heart of a Human Cadaver

  • Illustrations demonstrating the heart's anatomy in a cadaveric specimen, showcasing detailed structure and relationships between components.

The Vortex of the Heart

  • Photographic and illustrative insights from Dr. Carlos Baptista, University of Toledo.

  • Highlights the heart's anatomical models and construction in a plastinated format.

Surface Anatomy of the Heart

  • Provides direct visual representation of the heart's external structures, encapsulating its surface anatomy.

Internal Anatomy of the Heart

  • Comprehensive views of heart chambers:

    • Left Ventricle: is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta, featuring a thick muscular wall to generate the necessary pressure.

    • Interventricular Septum: a thick wall of muscle that separates the left and right ventricles, preventing the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, and contributing to the heart's overall efficiency.

    • Right Ventricle: pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery, characterized by a thinner muscular wall compared to the left ventricle, as it requires less pressure to circulate blood over a shorter distance.

The Heart Valves

  • Overview of the heart's valves:

    • Right AV (tricuspid) valve: regulates blood flow from the right atrium to right ventricle.

    • Left AV (mitral) valve: directs flow from left atrium to left ventricle.

    • Aortic valve and Pulmonary valve: ensure unidirectional blood flow out of the heart.

  • Fibrous Skeleton: framework supporting the heart's structure.

The Principal Coronary Blood Vessels

  • Important visual depiction of coronary vessels delivering oxygenated blood to heart tissue.

  • Corrosion cast visuals provide insight into vascular architecture surrounding the heart, enhancing understanding of its blood supply.