Heart Anatomy and Physiology sections 1 and 2

Front

mediastinum

Back

the middle cavity of the thoracic cavity where the heart is located

Front

base

Back

superior end of the heart that points toward the right shoulder

Front

apex

Back

inferior end of the heart that points toward the left hip and rests on the diaphragm

Front

pericardium

Back

serous membrane that surrounds the heart; also called the pericardial sac

Front

epicardium

Back

outer layer of the heart wall; visceral pericardium

Front

myocardium

Back

thick muscular layer of the heart wall that contracts

Front

endocardium

Back

layer of the heart wall that lines the heart chambers

Front

coronary circulation

Back

blood vessels that supply and drain the myocardium of the heart

Front

atria

Back

upper chambers that receive blood

Front

ventricles

Back

lower chambers that discharge blood