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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Diagram illustrating the course of the thoracoacromial trunk and its four terminal branches.
Encyclopaedia

Thoracoacromial Artery

by Aren Mnatzakanian

Illustration of the course of the long thoracic nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Long Thoracic Nerve

by Max Bidewell

Diagram illustrating the external and internal intercostals muscles of the thoracic wall.
Encyclopaedia

Internal Intercostals

by Dr Oliver Jones