Surface Marking of Heart Borders

The heart is an essential organ in the thoracic cavity, and understanding its surface markings is vital for clinical assessments, imaging, and surgical procedures.

Anatomical Landmarks

The heart borders can be mapped onto the thoracic surface using specific anatomical reference points.

Right Border

• Extends from the third right costal cartilage to the sixth right costal cartilage.
• Primarily formed by the right atrium.

Left Border

• Extends from the second left intercostal space to the apex of the heart (left fifth intercostal space).
• Primarily formed by the left ventricle.

Inferior Border

• Extends from the sixth right costal cartilage to the apex.
• Formed by the right ventricle and part of the left ventricle.

Clinical Importance

Understanding heart surface markings assists in auscultation, diagnosis of cardiac conditions, and planning surgical interventions.