Heart - LO 11

11. Describe the sternocostal projections of the heart valves, and identify the auscultation points.

Sternocostal projections (heart valve projections) are the sternocostal structures directly superficial to the actual heart valves.

• • Aortic valve: sternal body at 3rd costal cartilage level

  • Pulmonary valve: L. costosternal joint of 3rd costal cartilage

  • Right AV (tricuspid) valve: right side of sternal body at 4th costal cartilage level

  • Left AV (mitral) valve: left side of sternal body at 4th costal cartilage level

Since the actual heart valves are deep to the sternocostal projections and the bony landmarks can make it difficult to auscultate, there are separate auscultation points for listening to heart valve closure and blood flow.

• • Aortic valve: Right 2nd intercostal space at R. sternal border

  • Pulmonary valve: Left 2nd-3rd intercostal space at L. sternal border

  • Right AV (tricuspid) valve: L. 4th-5th intercostal space at L. sternal border

  • Left AV (mitral) valve: L. 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line