What anatomical features define the location of the heart in relation to the ribcage?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the anatomical features and specific ribcage locations related to the heart. It presents multiple options to identify how the heart is positioned in relation to ribs and costal cartilages.
Answer
The heart is behind and slightly to the left of the sternum, between the lungs, and beneath the rib cage.
The heart is located behind and slightly to the left of the breastbone (sternum), between the lungs, beneath the rib cage, and in front of the vertebrae. The base of the heart is at the level of the third costal cartilage.
Answer for screen readers
The heart is located behind and slightly to the left of the breastbone (sternum), between the lungs, beneath the rib cage, and in front of the vertebrae. The base of the heart is at the level of the third costal cartilage.
More Information
The heart’s position allows it to effectively pump blood while being protected by the rib cage.
Tips
common mistakes include misplacing the heart's position too far to the left or assuming it is centrally located without noting the slight leftward tilt
Sources
- Heart Anatomy | The Texas Heart Institute® - texasheart.org
- Heart Anatomy | Anatomy and Physiology II - courses.lumenlearning.com
- Heart Anatomy, Function, and Blood Circulation - WebMD - webmd.com
