Class notes
Anatomy of the heart and mediastinum
- Course
- Institution
Anatomy of the heart and mediastinum
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
rabiahkhan
Content preview
ANATOMY OF THE HEART AND MEDIASTINUMMediastinum is found within the thoracic cavity
Average rate of heart contractions is 75 per minute
= 108,000 times a day and over 39 million times a year
At least 75ml of blood is ejected per contraction
= 5.25L per min being pumped around 97,000 km of vessels in the body
The heart sits in the pericardial cavity (peri=top) created by the pericardial sac which is a
tough membrane that surrounds the heart.
The pericardial sac separates the heart from the rest of the structures in the mediastinum.
The fibrous PERICARDIUM ‘’around the heart’’
Directly surrounds the heart
- Pericardium is FIBROUS and tough made out of dense connective tissue which
protects the heart and maintains the position of the thorax.
The delicate serous pericardium consists of 2 layers:
1. Parietal layer of serous pericardium: fused to the fibrous pericardium
2. Epicardium (Inner visceral layer of serous)
pericardium: fused to the heart and part of
the heart wall
Pericardial cavity is filled with LUBRICATING serous
fluid
- Creates smooth movement when the heart
expands and relaxes preventing friction of
the two membranes
, BASE AND APEX
The superior surface of the heart is called the base and the inferior tip is called the apex.
The great veins and arteries are found and attached at
the base of the heart
- This is at the level of the third costal cartilage
(ribs)
Superior and inferior vena cava
Aorta
Pulmonary arteries and veins
Apex lies to the direct left of the sternum (long bone
between ribs) between the fourth and fifth ribs.
- It points into the left lung creating an
indentation on its medial surface
The average heart is about 12 x 8 x 6cm
250-300g in weight
The heart is made up of cardiac muscle meaning it increases in
cell size with response to exercise
HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY:
The heart is abnormally enlarged with no exact cause.
CHAMBERS OF THE HEART:
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller rabiahkhan. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $11.60. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now