Pulmonary Blood Vessels and a Cross Section of the Heart

Description

Dominating the anterior thorax, the male heart is presented with a partial cross section through the myocardium, exposing the right and left atria superiorly and the right and left ventricles inferiorly, separated by the interatrial and interventricular septa. The pericardium is suggested as the outer investing layer, while the great vessels arise from the superior aspect and course cranially. Color coding distinguishes the pulmonary trunk and systemic arteries in red from the venae cavae and pulmonary veins in blue, clarifying the anterior relationship of the right ventricle to the sternum and the more posterior position of the left atrium, which receives the pulmonary venous return. Emphasis on the pulmonary blood vessels makes this view useful for teaching right heart outflow and the low pressure pulmonary circuit, where the pulmonary valve, pulmonary trunk, and right and left pulmonary arteries set the stage for common congenital and acquired problems. Think pulmonary embolism lodged at the bifurcation (saddle embolus), pulmonary hypertension with secondary right ventricular hypertrophy, or surgical orientation during pulmonary artery catheter placement as it traverses the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary valve. A clear cut plane through the chambers also helps explain left sided filling pressures and why left atrial enlargement accompanies long standing mitral valve disease. Use it in gross anatomy and cardiopulmonary physiology courses to anchor blood flow direction, chamber morphology, and the separation of pulmonary arteries from pulmonary veins at a glance. It also fits cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery texts covering valve pathology, catheter routes, and anterior mediastinal relationships. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.