The Heart

Overview

The heart is the central organ of the cardiovascular system, pumping blood through the pulmonary and systemic circulations. This section introduces its structural organisation and functional components.

Key Structures

Topics include the cardiac chambers, valves, conduction system, coronary arteries and veins, and the supporting pericardial structures. Each page outlines anatomy and core functional relationships.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Understanding cardiac anatomy is fundamental for diagnosing arrhythmias, valvular disease, ischaemia and heart failure. This section supports interpretation of ECGs, echocardiography and cross-sectional imaging, as well as clinical examination.

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Anterior view of the heart showing its great vessels.

Great Vessels of the Heart

Illustration of the right atrium and interatrial septum, with the atrium proper partially visible.

The Chambers of the Heart

Overview of the individual components of the heart conduction pathway.

The Conducting System of the Heart

Vasculature of the Heart

The Heart Wall

Anterior view of the pericardium illustrating its attachments to the diaphragm and the roots of the great vessels.

The Pericardium

Illustration of the borders of the heart labeled for anatomical reference.

The Surfaces and Borders of the Heart

Illustration of the aortic valve cusps, aortic sinuses, and the origins of the coronary arteries.

The Valves of the Heart

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Illustration of the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles involved in mastication.
Encyclopaedia

Lateral Pterygoid

by Max Bidewell

Overview of the anatomical course of the facial nerve (CN VII).
The Cranial Nerves

The Facial Nerve (CN VII)

by Liam Curry

Illustration of the rotator cuff muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint.
Encyclopaedia

Infraspinatus

by Dr Oliver Jones