Where is the heart located?

Jun 09, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
The heart is one of the vital organs in the human body, located within the thoracic cavity. Its primary function is to pump blood, thereby maintaining normal physiological functions throughout the body. Situated behind the sternum, the heart lies between the second and fifth intercostal spaces. Under normal conditions, the left side of the heart is slightly larger than the right side and is tilted to the left, occupying approximately two-thirds of the thoracic cavity, while the right side accounts for about one-third.

The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, located within the thoracic cavity. Its primary function is to pump blood, thereby maintaining normal physiological functions throughout the body. Specific details are as follows:

The heart is situated in the thoracic cavity, directly behind the sternum, spanning from the second to the fifth intercostal space. Under normal conditions, the left side of the heart is slightly larger than the right and is tilted to the left, occupying approximately two-thirds of the thoracic cavity, while the right side occupies about one-third. The heart is mainly composed of atria, ventricles, heart valves, and coronary vessels. The atria are the upper chambers of the heart, divided into the left atrium and right atrium, whose main function is to receive venous blood and transfer it into the ventricles. The ventricles are the lower chambers, divided into the left and right ventricles, responsible for pumping blood to all parts of the body. Between the atria and ventricles are three valves—the tricuspid valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve—which prevent backflow of blood and maintain proper directional flow. The coronary vessels are the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, primarily divided into the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery.

If a patient experiences any cardiac discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended. Following standardized treatment under a physician's guidance can aid in recovery.

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