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17.2: Location, Size, and Shape of the Heart

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    Location, Size, and Shape of the Heart

    The heart is located within the ventral body cavity. Recall that the ventral body cavity is further subdivided into the thoracic cavity and the abdominopelvic cavity, separated by the diaphragm. The heart is located within the thoracic cavity. Between the two lungs and their cavities (pleural cavities) is a central cavity called the mediastinum. The heart is located inside of the mediastinum in an inner cavity called the pericardial cavity. Serous membranes form the pericardial cavity with the outer layer being the parietal pericardium and the inner layer being the visceral pericardium (also known as the epicardium). Between these serous membranes is the pericardial cavity filled with a small amount pericardial fluid produced by these membranes to allow the heart to move and reducing friction. In some cases, too much pericardial fluid will build up in the cavity; this is called pericardial effusion.

    Diagram of ventral body cavities

    Above: Diagram of the ventral body cavity, mediastinum, pericardial cavity, and the serosa of the pericardial cavity.

    The shape of the heart is similar to a pinecone, broad at the superior surface (called the base) and tapering to the apex. A typical heart is approximately the size of your fist: 12 cm (5 in) in length, 8 cm (3.5 in) wide, and 6 cm (2.5 in) in thickness. Given the size difference between most members of the sexes, the weight of a female heart is approximately 250–300 grams and the weight of a male heart is approximately 300–350 grams. For comparison sake, a typical apple is about 100 grams. Therefore, the weight of a human heart would be about the same weight as two and a half to three and a half apples.

    Diagram showing the position of the heart in relation to the ribs and lungs. Base of heart, First rib (cut), Base of heart, Right lung, Apex of heart, Diaphragm, Trachea, epicardium (cut), left lung, Apex of heart

    Above: Diagram showing the position of the heart in relationship to the ribs, lungs and diaphragm. The base of the heart and the apex of the heart are also labeled.

    Cadaver image of a heart

    Above: Cadaver image of the human heart, anterior view.

    This page titled 17.2: Location, Size, and Shape of the Heart is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Rosanna Hartline.

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