Anatomy of the Heart
There are many important sections of the heart. Most of which people know very little about, so I've included a few her with a brief definition: Aorta – is the largest artery in the body. It carries the blood out of the Left Ventricle, to the Systemic Circuit of the body.
Apex of the heart – is the pointy end of the heart. It points down toward the left hip, and can be found just below the left nipple.
Base of the heart – is the posterior surface of the heart, is about 9cm wide, and points toward the right shoulder.
Bicuspid Valve - is the valve that prevents backflow between the Left Atrium and the Left Ventricle. It is also known as the Mitral Valve
Chordae Tendineae – are the cords that attach the AV Valve flaps to the Papillary Muscles.
Endocardium – lines the inside of the heart chamber and separates the chambers from the Myocardium
Epicardium – is also known as the Visceral layer of the Serous Pericardium. It is the outermost layer of the heart wall.
Inferior Venae Cava - is a major vein that delivers blood to the right atrium, returning it from regions below the Diaphragm.
Myocardium – lies between the Visceral Later of Serous Pericardium (Epicardium) and the Endocardium. Comprising primarily of cardiac muscle, it is the layer of the heart that contracts. It forms the bulk of the heart.
Papillary Muscle – are found in the ventricular wall and is where the tendinous cords of the Atrioventricular Valves are attached. Contractions of the Papillary Muscles assist in keeping the valves in place during ventricular systole.
Pulmonary Trunk – is where the Right Ventricle ejects blood so it can be carried via the Pulmonary Arteries to the lungs.
Sino-atrial Node – is located in the Right Atrium in the Pacemaker region. This is where the electrical impulses that initiate heart contractions originate. It also sets the pace of the heart beat. Also known as the SA Node, or the Sinus Node.
Superior Venae Cava – is a major vein that delivers blood to the right atrium, returning it from regions above the Diaphragm (ie. Head, neck, thorax, etc)
Tricuspid Valve – is the valve that prevents backflow between the Right Atrium and the Right Ventricle