28. The heart
28. The heart
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter concentrates on the heart. The heart lies in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity beneath a tough membrane called the fibrous pericardium. The chapter describes the fibrous pericardium. This is attached to the central tendon of the diaphragm and to the outer coats of the aorta and venae cavae. The heart itself is covered by a pair of thin membranes, the serous pericardium. These enclose a narrow, fluid-filled space called the pericardial sac. The chapter demonstrates how the pericardium restricts the movement of the diaphragm and prevents overfilling of the heart. The overall shape of the heart is approximately that of a blunt cone which has its base around the midline and its apex facing obliquely downward towards the left side of the chest.
