Anatomy of the Heart Surfaces and Grooves

Pericardial Cavity Function

• The pericardial cavity is a potential space filled with serous fluid that lubricates the heart and reduces friction during its contractions.

Continuity of Pericardial Layers

• The continuity between the parietal and visceral layers of the serous pericardium is most pronounced at the roots of the great blood vessels that enter and leave the heart.

Posterior Relationship of Fibrous Pericardium

• The fibrous pericardium is posteriorly related to the esophagus and the descending thoracic aorta.

Fibrous Pericardium Attachments

• The fibrous pericardium provides attachments to:
  • The diaphragm
  • The sternum
  • The great blood vessels

Heart Blood Vessel Entry/Exit

• The major blood vessels enter and leave the heart at the base, which is also the most posterior part of the heart.

Right Ventricle Formation

• The anterior surface of the heart is mainly formed by the right ventricle.

Apex Direction

• The apex of the heart is directed towards the left hip.

Atrium Auricle

• The right and left atria each have a wrinkled, flap-like extension called an auricle, which increases the capacity of the atrium.

Heart Base Direction

• The base of the heart is placed superiorly and slightly to the right.

Inferior Surface

• The diaphragmatic surface of the heart is also known as the inferior surface.

Sternocostal Surface Relation

• The sternocostal surface of the heart is related to the sternum, costal cartilages, and the anterior ends of the third to sixth ribs.

Anterior Interventricular Groove Artery

• The main artery found in the anterior interventricular groove is the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, a branch of the left coronary artery.

Atrioventricular Groove Vein

• The right coronary artery can be found in the atrioventricular groove (coronary sulcus).

Right Border Formation

• The right border of the heart is formed by the right atrium.

Diaphragmatic Surface

• The diaphragmatic surface of the heart rests on the diaphragm and is mainly formed by the left ventricle.

Left Atrium/Left Ventricle Vein

• The oblique vein of the left atrium can be seen between the back of the left atrium and the back of the left ventricle.

Posterior Interventricular Groove

• The posterior interventricular groove in the heart contains the posterior interventricular artery, a branch of the right coronary artery.

Learn about the composition and features of the sterno-costal surface and the grooves found in the human heart. Understand the structures, arteries, and veins that are present in these specific areas of the heart.