Translations:Herz/5/en

The heart is located approximately in the middle of the chest, which is called the mediastinum. The representation in the WebViewer is greatly simplified.
In order to have a clear view of the heart, the thorax must be opened extensively and the connective tissue in the mediastinum anterius removed. About two thirds of the heart lies to the left of the sternum, one third to the right. The tip of the heart ( apex cortis) points to the left front and lies on a level with the left nipple. Its contraction (so-called heart tip thrust) is felt as a tender blow through the chest wall. Seen ventrally, the heart is located diagonally and counterclockwise in the thorax. At the front it approaches the sternum and at the back it is bounded by the trachea and oesophagus. To the left and right it is surrounded by the lungs.
The right ventricle is clearly visible from the ventral view. The left ventricle is only partially visible.
Even the large vessels are not all recognizable at the base of the heart. The Vv pulmonales are on the other side of the heart and flow together in the left atrium, which is also dorsal. However, the two cardiac ears, each located at the periphery, are clearly recognizable (Auricula sinistra and dextra). The epicardium surrounding the heart cannot be seen in this image.