Heart - LO 2

There are 6 surfaces or aspects of the heart, including the apex and base:

• Sternocostal (anterior) surface: formed predominantly by the R. ventricle with small contributions from the R. atrium & L. ventricle

  • The coronary & anterior interventricular sulci are visible on this surface

• Apex of the heart: formed by the L. ventricle

  • Often considered as anteriorly facing and directed to the left

  • Located near the L. midclavicular line, just deep to the L. 5th intercostal space

• Right surface: formed by R. atrium

• Left surface: formed mainly by the L. border of the heart

• Diaphragmatic (inferior) surface: formed mainly by the L. ventricle and portions of the R. ventricle

  • Very closely associated with the diaphragm

• Base of heart (posterior aspect of heart): formed predominantly by the L. atrium with some contribution from the R. atrium

  • Closely associated with the pulmonary vv. & oblique pericardial sinus

  • Often considered as posteriorly facing and directed more to the right

There are 3 sulci (grooves) of the external heart that are superficial artifacts of the divisions/walls of the heart:

• Coronary (atrioventricular) sulcus: sulcus between the atria and ventricles

  • Contains the coronary sinus, R. & L. coronary aa., main trunks

• Anterior interventricular (IV) sulcus: sulcus between the ventricles; continuous with posterior interventricular sulcus

  • Located on sternocostal (anterior) surface

  • Anterior interventricular br. (left anterior descending - LAD) of L. coronary a. & great cardiac v. are located in this sulcus

• Posterior interventricular (IV) sulcus: sulcus between the ventricles; continuous with the anterior interventricular sulcus

  • Located mostly on the diaphragmatic surface

  • Posterior interventricular br. (posterior descending a.) of R. coronary a. & middle cardiac v. are located in this sulcus