Anatomy of Pericardium and Heart

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Questions and Answers

What is the term for the large arteries and veins directly connected to the heart?

Major blood vessels

Great vessels (correct)

Pulmonary vessels

Cardiac vessels

What is the direction of the long axis of the heart?

Upward, forward, and to the right

Downward, forward, and to the left (correct)

Upward, backward, and to the right

Downward, backward, and to the left

What percentage of the heart lies on the right side of the median plane?

3/4

2/3

1/2

1/3 (correct)

Which part of the heart forms the apex?

Left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the base of the heart?

Quadrilateral Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the base of the heart?

Upward, backward, and to the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the heart in the cardiovascular system?

To pump blood throughout the body Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight of the heart in adult males?

300 g Signup and view all the answers

What separates the atria from the ventricles?

Interventricular septum Signup and view all the answers

Where is the heart located in the thoracic cavity?

Between the two lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of capillaries in the cardiovascular system?

To facilitate the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues Signup and view all the answers

What surrounds the heart?

Pericardium Signup and view all the answers

Which structure separates the heart from the vertebral column?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical landmark that divides the anterior surface of the heart?

Atrio-ventricular groove Signup and view all the answers

What is the proportion of the ventricular part formed by the left ventricle on the anterior surface?

2/3 Signup and view all the answers

Which surface of the heart is related laterally to the lungs, pleura, and phrenic nerve?

Left surface Signup and view all the answers

What forms the upper border of the heart?

Two atria Signup and view all the answers

What forms the lower border of the heart?

Right ventricle (mainly) and left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pericardiocentesis?

To relieve the pressure of accumulated fluid on the heart Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is situated between the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk in front, and the superior vena cava, and pulmonary veins behind?

Transverse sinus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the transverse pericardial sinus during cardiac surgery?

To isolate the pulmonary trunk and ascending aorta and apply a temporary ligature or clamp Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of arterial supply to the visceral layer of the serous pericardium?

Coronary arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is the nerve supply to the fibrous and parietal layers of the serous pericardium?

Phrenic nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the oblique sinus?

To recess the serous pericardium behind the left atrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of Point A on the surface anatomy of the heart?

Rt. 3rd c.c.(1 cm) from the sternum Signup and view all the answers

Which structure extends from 2 to 6 costal cartilages?

Pericardium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the fibrous pericardium?

To maintain central position of heart within the chest Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the pericardium?

Conical Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the posterior surface of the pericardium with the surrounding structures?

It is related to the posterior mediastinum Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of the apex of the pericardium with the surrounding structures?

It is directed upwards and fused with the outer coats of the great vessels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Components of the Cardiovascular System

Heart: Muscular organ functioning as a pump to circulate blood throughout the body.
Blood Vessels: Closed system including:
- Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart.
- Veins: Bring blood back to the heart.
- Capillaries: Tiny vessels facilitating the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between blood and tissues.

Heart Definition and Characteristics

Structure: Hollow muscular organ encased in the pericardium.
Size: Average adult heart measures approximately 12 cm from base to apex, 8-9 cm in transverse diameter, and 6 cm anteroposteriorly.
Weight: Approximately 300 g in males and 250 g in females.

Location and Orientation

Position: Located in the thoracic cavity between the lungs, specifically in the middle mediastinum.
Pericardial Cavity: Heart resides within its own space in the mediastinum.

Heart Chambers

Comprises four distinct chambers:
- Atria: Two upper chambers.
- Ventricles: Two lower chambers.
- Septums: Interatrial and interventricular septa separate the chambers.
- Valves: Control blood flow between chambers.

Surface Anatomy of the Heart

Specific points defining external features:
- Point B: Left 2nd costal cartilage.
- Point A: Right 3rd costal cartilage.
- Point D: Right 6th costal cartilage.
- Point C (Apex): Left 5th intercostal space, 9 cm from the median plane.
Coronary Groove: Oblique line from left 3rd to right 6th sternocostal junctions.

Pericardium Structure and Function

Definition: Fibroserous sac surrounding the heart and proximal great vessels.
Extension: Extends from 2 to 6 costal cartilages.
Layers:
- Outer Fibrous Pericardium: Provides structural support.
- Inner Serous Pericardium: Contains parietal and visceral layers.
Shape: Conical with a base, apex, and four surfaces (anterior, posterior, lateral).

Pericardial Function

Fibrous Pericardium Functions:
- Maintains the heart's central position within the chest cavity.
- Prevents over-distension of the heart.

Surgical Procedures

Pericardiocentesis: Procedure for fluid aspiration from the pericardial cavity to relieve pressure in cases of pericardial effusion, performed through the fifth intercostal space.

Pericardial Sinuses

Transverse Sinus: Lined by serous pericardium, located between ascending aorta/pulmonary trunk and the superior vena cava/pulmonary veins. Important for surgical isolation during procedures.
Oblique Sinus: Recess behind the left atrium, separated from the posterior mediastinal structures.

Blood Supply and Innervation

Arterial Supply:
- Pericardiacophrenic artery and branches from the descending thoracic aorta supply the fibrous and parietal layers.
- Coronary arteries supply the visceral layer.
Nerve Supply: Sensory fibers from the phrenic nerve provide pain sensitivity to the fibrous and parietal layers.

Heart Orientation

The heart has an oblique position with its long axis directed downwards, forwards, and to the left.
About one-third of the heart is located on the right side of the median plane, while two-thirds are on the left, with the right atrium positioned anteriorly to the left.

Apex and Base of the Heart

Apex: Formed by the left ventricle; directed downwards, forwards, and to the left.
- Located opposite the left 5th intercostal space.
Base (Posterior Surface): Mainly formed by the left atrium; directed upwards, backwards, and slightly to the right.

Surface Features

Anterior Surface: Divided into atrial (right atrium and auricle, left auricle) and ventricular portions (right and left ventricles).
Inferior Surface: Composed of two ventricles resting on the diaphragm.
Right Surface: Formed primarily by the right atrium, adjacent to the right lung and pleura.
Left Surface: Dominated by the left ventricle and atrium, adjacent to the left lung and pleura.

Borders of the Heart

Upper Border: Formed by the atria, obscured by great vessels.
Right Border: Concave formed by the right atrium.
Left Border: Composed of the left ventricle and auricle.
Lower Border: Mainly formed by the right ventricle, separates the sternocostal surface from the diaphragmatic surface.

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Description

This quiz covers the components of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and capillaries. It's ideal for students of anatomy and embryology. Test your knowledge of the circulatory system!