Question

Describe the location of the heart with respect to the lungs and to the diaphragm. (p. 279)

Short answer

Question: Describe the location of the heart with respect to the lungs and the diaphragm. Answer: The heart is centrally located within the thoracic cavity, slightly to the left and nestled between the two lungs. It is positioned above the diaphragm, with the base of the heart attached to the diaphragm's central tendon and the apex pointing downward, forward, and to the left.

Step-by-step solution

Locate the heart within the thoracic cavity

The heart is centrally located within the thoracic cavity, which is the chamber of the body surrounded by the ribcage, spine, and breastbone (sternum). It is enclosed in a double-layered protective sac called the pericardium.

Determine the positions of the lungs

There are two lungs in the thoracic cavity, one on either side of the heart. The right lung has three lobes, while the left lung has two lobes to accommodate the space needed for the heart. The lungs are separated from the heart by a thin layer of tissue called the mediastinum.

Describe the heart's position in relation to the lungs

The heart is situated between the two lungs, with approximately two-thirds of the heart's mass lying to the left of the midline of the body and one-third to the right. The position of the heart relative to the lungs can be described as slightly to the left and nestled between the two.

Determine the position of the diaphragm

The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle located at the base of the thoracic cavity, which separates it from the abdominal cavity. It is the primary muscle involved in the process of breathing.

Describe the heart's position in relation to the diaphragm

The heart is positioned above the diaphragm, and the two organs are in close proximity. The base of the heart, which is the broader upper part, is attached to the central tendon of the diaphragm by a ligament, while the apex of the heart, its pointed bottom end, points downward, forward, and to the left. The diaphragm supports the heart from below and plays a role in the movement of blood within the heart through its pumping action during breathing.