6529 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Inferior Vena Cava, Superior Vena Cava, Thoracic Cavity
17 Feb 2020
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Document Summary
The heart is located within the mediastinum: mediastinum is a region in thoracic cavity sit between sternum (at the front), veterbra (the back), 1st rib, diaphragm & in between ur 2 lungs. 2/3 of heart sits to the left, shape like ice cream corn. Base of heart = top of heart. Apex of heart = tip of the bottom of ice cream corn, pointing towards left: structure & function of pericardium. Pericardium = membrane which surrounds & protects the heart. 2 main parts: fibrous pericardium (outer structure) Make sure heart stays within that mediastinum but still allows the sufficient movement: serous pericardium (deep): thin & delicate, reduces friction. Visceral layer (= epicardium): adheres to surface of heart (visceral = organ -> adheres to organs: pericardial cavity = space between the 2 layers, has lubricating fluid. Heart wall not rubbing up against fibrous pericardium as its contracting: structure & function of each of the 3 layers of heart wall.
