Heart Base vs. Apex: Understanding Heart Anatomy

Heart Base:

- The heart base (or basis cordis) is the superior and posterior part of the heart, formed mainly by the left atrium.

- It is located beneath the aortic arch, between the lungs.

- The upper part of the heart and point of attachment (where the great vessels join the heart) is called the base of the heart.

- The posterior border of the base is formed by the coronary sinus and the lower border by the atrioventricular sulci (sulci between atria and ventricles).

Heart Apex:

- The apex (or apex cordis) is the most inferior point of the heart, positioned slightly to the left of the midline of the body.

- It's formed by the left ventricle, more precisely, the meeting point of the left ventricle's lateral, anterior, and inferior walls.

- The point of maximum impulse (PMI), which is normally felt during physical examination of the heart, is slightly medial and inferior to the apex of the heart.

In summary, the heart base is located at the superior and posterior side of the heart, formed mainly by the left atrium and where the great vessels connect. On the other hand, the heart apex is the most inferior point of the heart, formed by the left ventricle and is located slightly to the left of the body's midline.