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The Hearts Location
The Hearts Location
The heart is located in the mediastinum, inside the thoracic cavity, between the lungs and on top of the diaphragm. Thoracic is a latin term meaning related to the chest. The Mediastinum is the area between the lungs.
The heart is protected by the spine and rib cages. The sternum (breastbone) sits in front of the heart as well. The base of the heart is the top medial part that lies just below the 2nd rib. The apex of the heart is its bottom portion where both the left and right sides meet. (See Figure 1)
Figure 1.
The Hearts Function
The Hearts Function
- The heart pumps about 60-100 times per minute. Oxygen poor blood enters the heart, the heart sends the blood to the lungs where the blood is filled with oxygen, then the blood returns to the heart where it pumps this oxygen rich blood to the rest of the body. Once this oxygen rich blood has diffused into other organs, the blood becomes oxygen poor and returns to circulation system to return to the heart.
Layers of The Heart
Layers of The Heart
Epicardium & Pericardium - The epicardium is the outermost layer of the heart. Outside of this layer is a double walled sac that surrounds it called the pericardium. In between this wall and the epicardium, is a liquid called pericardial fluid. This fluid helps facilitate movement in the heart. As the heart moves, it creates friction. This liquid prevents the burn that would result in this friction.
Heart Chambers
Heart Chambers
The heart has four chambers - Right Atrium, Left Atrium, Right Ventricle, Left Ventricle.
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