Heart Anatomy and Multiple Choice Questions

A thin, double-layered sac surrounding the heart, consisting of the fibrous pericardium (outer layer) and visceral pericardium (inner layer).

The space between the fibrous and visceral layers of the pericardium, filled with serous fluid for frictionless heartbeats.

Pain originating in the parietal pericardium, often sharp and stabbing in nature.

This is the name given to fluid buildup within the pericardial cavity.

A passage within the pericardium formed when the visceral pericardium folds back upon itself, allowing for drainage of fluids and movement of the heart.

A passage within the pericardium extending between the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk, allowing for passage of structures.

It derives from the septum transversum, a developmental structure that forms the diaphragm.

The visceral pericardium is supplied by autonomic nerves of the heart, making it insensitive to pain. This is why pain during heart attacks originates in the cardiac muscle, not the pericardium.

The heart is a cone-shaped, muscular organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.

The heart is positioned obliquely behind the sternum, with one-third to the right and two-thirds to the left of the midline.

The apex is the lower pointed end of the heart, formed mainly by the left ventricle.

The base of the heart is the broader, upper portion, where major blood vessels connect.

The atria are the upper chambers of the heart, receiving blood from the body and lungs.

The ventricles are the lower chambers of the heart, pumping blood to the body and lungs.

Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid compresses the heart, restricting blood flow and reducing cardiac output.

The upper border of the heart, primarily formed by the left atrium. It's slightly oblique in shape.

The inferior border of the heart, mainly formed by the right ventricle. It's almost horizontal.

The anterior surface of the heart, primarily formed by the right atrium and ventricle. It's partially covered by the lungs.

The base of the heart, which is also known as the posterior surface. It's primarily formed by the left atrium and a portion of the right atrium.

The anterior surface of the heart with its chambers being reversed compared to a normal heart. The term 'dextro' means right.

The fibrous pericardium is a tough, fibrous sac that surrounds the heart. It's made of dense connective tissue and acts as a protective outer layer.

The serous pericardium is a thin, double-layered membrane that lines the inside of the fibrous pericardium. The outer layer is called the parietal pericardium, and the inner layer is called the visceral pericardium (or epicardium).

The transverse sinus is a horizontal passage between the ascending aorta and pulmonary trunk at the top of the heart, and the venae cavae at the bottom. It's an important landmark for surgeons.

The oblique sinus is a narrow, backward passage behind the heart. It helps to accommodate the left atrium's pulsations.

The fibrous pericardium is attached to the sternum (breastbone) via superior and inferior sternopericardial ligaments. This helps to anchor the heart in place within the chest cavity.

The fibrous pericardium is located near important structures in the chest, including the bronchi (airways), esophagus (food pipe), descending aorta, and nerve plexuses.

The apex of the fibrous pericardium is the top, blunt end, located at the level of the sternal angle. The base is the broad, bottom part, attached to the diaphragm. These are important landmarks for understanding the pericardium's structure and location.

Pain originating in the parietal pericardium, the outer layer of the sac, is called pericardial pain. It's often sharp and stabbing.

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition where fluid in the pericardial cavity compresses the heart, hindering its ability to pump blood effectively.