Heart Anatomy: Mediastinum, Pericardium & Anatomical Landmarks
The heart resides in the middle mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity.
Key Anatomical Descriptors
- Mediastinum: Space between pleural cavities, sternum to spine, thoracic inlet to diaphragm.
- Middle Mediastinum: Contains heart, great vessels (aorta, SVC, IVC, pulmonary trunk), phrenic nerves, tracheal bifurcation, lymph nodes.
- Pericardium: Fibrous outer sac + serous layers (parietal/visceral). Anchors heart, prevents overdistension, reduces friction.
- Retrosternal: Posterior to sternum; ~2/3 of heart lies left of midline.
- Thoracic Cavity (Thorax): Bony cage (ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae) housing heart, lungs, esophagus, great vessels.
Surface Landmarks
- Apex beat: 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line.
- Base: 2nd intercostal spaces, near sternum.
- Right border: 3rd–6th costal cartilages.
- Left border: 2nd–5th intercostal spaces.
Precise terminology ensures clear communication in clinical, surgical, and imaging contexts.
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